Seven Swans A Swimming Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lamentation

A lamentation of swans would be the correct answer. This term is usually used for a group of swans on the ground or water. When in flight, the proper terms are a bevy or wedge of swans.

Answer: Swans mate for life

Swans usually mate for life. Only occasionally will a pair split up and this usually occurs after multiple nesting failures. The male helps with nest construction and incubation of the eggs. Both parents are known to be very aggressive when it comes to protecting the nest and/or hatchlings.

Answer: A yearly census of mute swans living on the Thames River

"Swan upping" is an annual British ceremony in which a census on all mute swans on the River Thames takes place. All the swans are rounded up, a ring placed on a leg, and then released after being counted. Traditionally, the British Crown owns all unmarked swans on the river.

The practice of rounding up these birds to count and mark them dates from the 12th century and has led to increased knowledge about mute swans.

Answer: Omnivorous

While swans are largely herbivorous, they are also known to occasionally eat insects, tadpoles, and even small fish. The bulk of their diet consists of aquatic vegetation and roots. They are often seen eating grass, especially in the springtime. The fact that they eat both plants and animals makes them omnivorous.

Answer: South America

The black-necked swan is the largest water bird found on the continent of South America. Their snow-white bodies, with long black neck, make them one of the most distinctive of all the swan family. A red knob on the base of the gray bill adds a splash of color to these lovely birds.

It is found in the lagoons and marshes of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego as well as on the Falkland Islands. These swans are relatively silent and both parents are often observed carrying their babies on their backs.

Answer: By size

Male swans are larger than female swans. Unlike many species of birds, where the male sports a much brighter color, swans are colored alike. In a groups of swans that are not mating, it can be very difficult to ascertain which ones are male and which are female without a very close examination, which is usually not practical.

Answer: Australia

The black swan is a beautiful swan which breeds mainly in the southern regions of Australia. One of the largest of the swans, these magnificent birds sport black plumage with a sprinkling of white on their wings. They also have a distinctive red bill. The black swan also has one of the longest necks of any swan species, and are one of the most nomadic swans.

Answer: True

Swans were eaten for centuries in parts of Europe and can be prepared in the same manner as chicken, duck, and turkey. After being plucked and having their organs removed, they were often roasted and then served with the head and feet still attached. The eating of swans was usually restricted to royalty.

Answer: Cob and pen

A male swan is properly called a cob and the female is called a pen. A baby swan is called a cygnet or a flapper.

Answer: False

The mute swan is much less vocal than most of the varieties of swans. But they do make soft grunting noises, whistles and hissing noises. Their loudest sound come from the throbbing of their wings while in flight. This noise can be heard up to one mile (2km) away.

This sound is believed to be a method of communication between the birds while in flight. The beautiful white mute swan is the swan that most Americans and Europeans are acquainted with.