The Whooper Swan has the most extensive range of all the world's seven swan species, and to people in many nations it is the archetypical swan species. The species is also strongly migratory, and the annual appearances of bulging flocks of these beautiful white birds herald seasonal change and have inspired numerus myths and tales.

Taking an in-depth look at the Whooper Swan, this book investigates its biology, migratory habits, courtship and breeding behaviour and its role in the folklore and legend of the many countries where it occurs.