Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Why the Tundra Swan has a black bill

Tundra swans are beautiful, majestic even.  But why do they have that black bill on the pristine white body?
Tundra Swan

I sat and watched them looking for food in the wetlands.  The water is not deep.  It looks as though he is searching the mud for yummy items. It certainly explained that black bill.


Notice how muddy the head is when it pops up out of the water.  Also, it appears he is stirring up the mud with his feet before lowering his head again.  The Mallards seem to enjoy whatever the swan is churning up.

2 comments:

  1. So, they have a black bill from digging in the mud and muck? Wow! The whole head gets covered, too.

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  2. Pam, makes sense to me after seeing this. They are pretty, though, with the white body and black trim.

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