Swans (Worldlife Library)

Did you know that swan-like creatures may have existed over 80 million years ago? Or that swans are the largest of the waterfowl, as well as one of the largest flying birds? Featuring gorgeous portraits of these graceful, majestic birds, Swans details everything from the appearances of swans in myth to their ecology and life history.

In many legends and myths, swans represent beauty, purity, and fidelity. Dafila Scott explains that in real life, these waterfowl indeed possess many of these mythical characteristics. She describes all eight orders of swans, and includes information on their distribution worldwide, their population sizes, and features unique to each species. She also introduces breeding, migration, social behavior, and mortality, along with conservation and management issues.

Swans includes a chapter on the domestication of swans, and discusses how some owners have exploited them. Full of interesting details and color photos of these beautiful creatures, Swans will appeal to a wide audience of both adults and young adults.

Also recommended: Penguins, Loons, Puffins, Eagles.