Mute Swan

A magnificent pure white feather from a majestic large waterfowl known for its S-shaped neck and orange bill with a black knob. These birds are large, reaching weights up to 26 lbs with a wingspan of 7-8 feet.

Pure snowy white with no melanin-based markings; the rachis is translucent-white; ventral and dorsal surfaces are identical in color.

Transition from plumulaceous (downy) at the base to pennaceous (interlocked) at the tip; contains dense, water-repellent barbicels.

Smooth, slightly oily/waxy for waterproofing in the pennaceous section; extremely soft and wispy at the downy base.

Pure white color, distinct curvature of the rachis, and the large ratio of downy barbs at the base compared to smaller waterfowl.

Lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and coastal lagoons; prefers both freshwater and brackish habitats.

Native to Eurasia; widely introduced and naturalized across North America, South Africa, and Australia.

High-level herbivore; consumes large amounts of aquatic vegetation; serves as a flagship species for wetland conservation.

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) and Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus). Distinguishable primarily by bird habitat and range, as the feathers are visually identical.

Mute Swans are generally silent but can hiss or bark; they are known for mating for life and the classic heart-shape formed by their necks during courtship.

Excellent condition; appears freshly molted with no visible parasite damage or fault bars.