With tales like the Ugly Duckling, the Trumpet of the Swan, or even the movie Black Swan, many of us grow up hearing stories of swans representing a character that doesn’t quite fit in, but eventually finds its home.

When you picture a swan in North America, chances are you’re picturing a white swan with an orange bill and a black mask around its eyes — the mute swan. But this creature isn’t native to North America. In fact, the mute swan is an invasive species brought over from Europe that poses a threat to native waterfowl and other wildlife as it encroaches on their habitat and eats their food. Here are a few more facts you might not have known about swans:

1. CYNOPHOBIA - FEAR OF SWANS

Signifying elegance, love, and calmness, catching sight of these beautiful creatures is mesmerizing. But what may not be too apparent about them is their aggressive nature and viciously loud honks. Those who have had an encounter with swans might know that they can be frightening. Some people are scared of swans. This unwarranted fear of swans is known as cynophobia or kiknophobia.

2. THE QUEEN OWNS ALL SWANS IN THE UK

Dating back to the 12th century, the Queen of England has claimed to own all the mute swans across Britain. The ceremony of counting the swans - known as Swan Upping - takes place each year in the third week of July, lasting five days. There’s a reason for the ceremony happening during this time. The adult birds are molting while the cygnets are too small to take flight, making the process easier. Even though the Queen is granted ownership of all the Mute Swans across the river, what’s surprising is that she isn’t physically present to brace the ceremony with her honor.

3. SWANS HAVE A HUGE APPETITE

The most giant waterfowl birds feed on aquatic plants such as pondweed, algae, waterweed, and musk grass. Swans also enjoy appetizing treats of fish, frogs, worms, etc. Synonymous to their massive size, they have a huge appetite as well. In fact, according to a study, swans can consume 8 pounds of food each day - that’s walloping!

4. SWANS FIERCELY PROTECT THEIR YOUNG

Both the parent swans are not just possessive about their territory. Still, they guard their young against any threats, exhibiting aggression and anger if someone tries to intrude on their territory. The massive birds would become boisterous with highly vocalized hissings, flapping their heavy wings and swimming rapidly towards the rival to ward off the attack. After successfully scaring off the contender, the mighty swans would flutter their wings, calling to announce their triumph and celebration.

5. SWANS LIKE TO HAVE THEIR FOOD WET

Whenever food is fed to swans, it should be tossed on the surface of the water body. Swans like to have their food wet as it makes swallowing easy for them, taking in water along with the scattered food. Feeding them on land can be dangerous for the swans, exposing them to environmental dangers such as humans, cars, rocky surfaces, and predators around.