An adult Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) swimming with Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and other waterfowl on St. James's Park Lake. Introduced from Europe, this is the species of swam most familiar to North Americans. The birds aren't mute as their name implies.

Each time I see one, I'm reminded of one of my favorite childhood stories, "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). For those not familiar with the tale, it's about a gawky cygnet, raised with ducklings, who grows up to be a beautiful swan.