mute swan

Thân thiện

A mute swan glides gracefully across a calm lake.

Definition

Noun: A large, white Eurasian waterfowl (Cygnus olor) known for being less vocal than other swan species and frequently kept in a domesticated state.

Usage

The term "mute swan" is used to specifically identify this species of swan. It functions as a countable noun. * The graceful mute swan glided across the pond. * We observed a pair of mute swans nesting by the lake. * Unlike the whooper swan, the mute swan is relatively quiet.

Advanced Usage

• In ornithology and wildlife contexts, "mute swan" is the standard common name for , often used to distinguish it from native North American swans like the trumpeter swan.
• The name "mute" is somewhat misleading, as the species can produce hisses, grunts, and soft snorts, but it lacks the loud, trumpeting call of its relatives.

Variants and Related Words

• Swan (n): The general term for large, long-necked waterbirds of the family Anatidae, which includes the mute swan, trumpeter swan, and black swan.
• Cygnet (n): The term for a young swan, including a young mute swan.

Synonyms

• (n): The scientific binomial name for the species.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Royal bird: Historically, in Britain, mute swans were declared royal property, and this status is still referenced in ceremonies like "Swan Upping."
• Aggressive defender: A common descriptor in wildlife guides, noting the mute swan's behavior during the nesting season.

Học thuật

Noun

1. soundless Eurasian swan; commonly domesticated

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cygnus olor