Swan Song - Québec

Swan song

A bird that captures the imagination was brought to the exposition by Finland. It’s no surprise that the swan represents Finland, because it is the country’s national bird. Evoking grace, elegance and beauty, the swan is also a symbol of the fragility of life on this planet.

These birds are among the largest that can fly and they spend part of their life in migration. Although they are not endangered, they fall under the protective measures of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

“Swan song” is an expression that originates from an old legend from ancient times, when a mute swan (also the name of a species of swan) sang a magnificent song just before dying.

Six different species live in the various parts of the planet. The members of the species found in the Northern Hemisphere are white or grey, whereas two swan species found in the Southern Hemisphere are either completely black (Black Swan, in Oceania) or partly black (Black-necked Swan, in South America).

The Trumpeter Swan, previously found in large numbers in North America, was almost driven to extinction in the early 20th century, hunted for its meat and feathers. In the 30s, no more than 66 remained in the United States Yellowstone Park area. After being reintroduced, the species has recovered, particularly in Alaska. Today, they number approximately 18,000 in North America.

“Swan song” is an expression that originates from a legend from ancient times, when a mute swan (also the name of a species of swan) sang a magnificent song just before dying. Photo: © ProvinceQuebec.com

Swans found in the Northern Hemisphere are white or grey, whereas two species found in the Southern Hemisphere are either completely black (Black Swan, in Oceania) or partly black (Black-necked Swan, in South America). Photo: © ProvinceQuebec.com

The Trumpeter Swan, previously found in large numbers in North America, was almost driven to extinction in the early 20th century. Photo: © ProvinceQuebec.com

In the 1930s, no more than 66 swans remained in the United States Yellowstone Park area. After being reintroduced, the species has recovered. Today, they number approximately 18,000 in North America. Photo: © ProvinceQuebec.com