cygnet

bird

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June 25, 2026

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A cygnet is a young swan. Swans are the largest waterfowl, known for their long necks and graceful swimming. They feed on aquatic plants by dabbling in shallow water. Male swans are called cobs, and females are called pens. Swans mate for life and communicate through various sounds, even the typically quiet mute swan can hiss or grunt.12

Young swans, or cygnets, are born with downy feathers and can swim and walk shortly after hatching. They are cared for by their parents for several months. Immature swans have mottled gray or brown plumage for the first two years of their lives before maturing into adult colors.2

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cygnet
swan

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swan
The young, called cygnets, emerge short-necked and thickly downed; though capable of running and swimming a few hours after hatching, they are carefully tended for several months; in some species they may ride about on their mother’s back. Immature birds wear mottled gray or brown plumage for two…
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The young, called cygnets, emerge short-necked and thickly downed; though capable of running and swimming a few hours after hatching, they are carefully tended for several months; in some species they may ride about on their mother’s back. Immature birds wear mottled gray or brown plumage for two…
Read More