Swan

Swarans are the elegant birds of lakes rivers and marshes. They attract attention with their long necks white plumage and graceful swimming.

Swarans live along the edges of lakes ponds rivers and marshes. They prefer areas rich in aquatic plants. Some swans such as the Trumpeter Swan migrate to warmer regions in winter. When flying they can reach great heights even up to 8000 meters!

Swarans primarily feed on aquatic plants roots and leaves. They gather their food by dipping their long necks into the water. Chicks also eat small insects to support their growth. They usually feed in the morning and afternoon.

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Swarans mate for life. In spring they build nests along the water’s edge. The female lays 5 to 7 pale blue eggs. After 30 to 42 days of incubation the chicks hatch. They begin to walk after 2 to 3 days and start to fly within three months. By one year of age they live independently.

Swarans swim with great elegance. In winter they live in flocks. Before taking flight they nod their heads flap their wings and thus communicate with each other. They are generally quiet but communicate through body movements.

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In the wild swans live 10 to 15 years while in protected environments such as zoos they can live up to 25 years. They are vital to aquatic ecosystems and are therefore protected in many countries. The best way to help them is to avoid harming them and to observe them from a distance.

• Long necks allow them to glide gracefully through water.
• Strong wings enable them to fly great distances.
• Chicks are born with gray feathers and turn white as they grow.
• Most swans mate for life.
• They feed by diving underwater for plants and small aquatic creatures.

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There are three different species of swans living in Türkiye. You can distinguish them by the color and shape of their beaks:

Its beak is orange with a black bump (knob) on top.

Its beak is yellow and black. The yellow portion is larger.

Its beak is also yellow and black but the yellow portion is smaller.

📌 Tip: Pay attention to the beak color and the size of the yellow section to identify which swan you are seeing!

Swarans are part of the food chain in the waters they inhabit. They also provide habitat for other organisms. Their presence helps maintain ecological balance.

Swarans are like elegant guardians of nature. Protecting them keeping their habitats clean and showing them respect is everyone’s responsibility!

TÜBİTAK Magazine\Meraklı Minik\January 2019 Issue 145

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. “Swan.” İzmir Bird Paradise 5 December 2022. https://izmirkuscenneti.gov.tr/2022/12/05/kugu/.

“Kugu.” Kuşlar.gen.tr. Accessed 19 May 2025. https://kuslar.gen.tr/kugu.html.