Mute swan (Cygnus olor) preening. Preening birds apply the secretion of their preen (or uropygial) gland to their feathers. The waterproofing provided

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Mute swan (Cygnus olor) preening. Preening birds apply the secretion of their preen (or uropygial) gland to their feathers. The waterproofing provided by the secreted mixture of wax and fatty acids is vital to water birds. Mute swans live in and around lakes and rivers in Europe, parts of Asia and North America. Their long necks allow them to feed on water plants and invertebrates in deep water. Mute swans pair for life, and mate each year. Despite their name, they often make hissing and grunting noises. Photographed in the UK.

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Size: 3445px × 5099px
Photo credit: © MARTYN F. CHILLMAID/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, balance, balancing, bird, britain, british, cygnus, england, english, hygiene, kingdom, mute, nature, olor, preen, preening, ringed, swan, uk, united, wading, water, waterproofing, wildlife, zoology