Pronunciation: [wˈɪslɪŋ swˈɒn] (IPA) 
The word "whistling swan" refers to a species of swan that is identified by its high-pitched whistle-like call. The word is spelled as /ˈwɪslɪŋ swɒn/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the "w" is pronounced as in "win," the "i" is pronounced as "ih," the "s" is pronounced as "s," the "l" is pronounced as in "low," and the "ŋ" is pronounced as "ng." The "a" in "swan" is pronounced as "ah" in this transcription.
The term "whistling swan" refers to a species of large migratory waterfowl known scientifically as Cygnus columbianus. These swans are also commonly referred to as tundra swans due to their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra regions of North America. They are recognized for their striking beauty and distinctive vocalizations.
Whistling swans are characterized by their elegant appearance, with long, slender necks and snowy white plumage. They possess a wingspan of approximately 1.8 to 2.3 meters, making them one of the largest species of waterfowl. These birds are renowned for their gracefulness in flight and their ability to glide effortlessly across vast distances during their migration.
As their name suggests, whistling swans are recognized for their unique vocalizations. They produce a melodic, flute-like call that resembles a musical whistle, hence the name "whistling swan." This vocalization is often heard during their migration as they fly in large V-shaped formations.
The diet of whistling swans primarily consists of aquatic vegetation such as submerged plants, roots, and tubers, which they retrieve by foraging in shallow waters. They also feed on grains and grasses found in agricultural fields during their wintering period. These swans typically breed in the Arctic regions of Alaska and Canada, and during the winter, they migrate southward to more temperate regions such as the United States and Mexico.
Due to their beautiful appearance, distinct vocalizations, and impressive migratory behavior, whistling swans are admired by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Their presence in wetland habitats also plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystem.
The word "whistling swan" is a compound term, consisting of two words: "whistling" and "swan".
The term "swan" comes from Old English "swon", which is believed to have Germanic origins. The word has been used to refer to this particular type of large waterbird for centuries, with variations appearing in different languages, such as German "Schwan" and Dutch "zwaan".
The word "whistling" is derived from the verb "whistle", which originated from Old English "hwistlian". The verb "whistle" originally meant to make a distinct sound or signal by forcing breath through a small opening or by creating a high-pitched musical sound using the mouth. Over time, "whistle" evolved to describe the specific sound made by birds, such as swans.
