Swans are the largest water birds **in** the world. You often see wild **swans on** lakes or rivers. Most swans are white, **but** you can see black swans **in** some countries.
Swans look lovely but be careful if one **comes** really near to you. If a swan **feels** frightened, it will **suddenly try to fly away** and might hurt you. Swans have **really strong wings!**
**Their necks are** longer than any other birds' necks because they use them to help find food in the water. In a river, **there are** lots of plants and insects for swans to eat!
Swans live together in pairs or families. Young swans don't usually leave their parents **until** the next new babies join the family.
Some swans don't like winter weather, **so** when it starts getting colder, **these wonderful birds begin** the long journey to warmer environments.
Wild swans usually live for about twenty years, but swans **in zoos can live for fifty years!**
