Still, there is the reassuring uplift of fairy tales like Hans Christian Andersen's duckling turned swan, with its metamorphosis from plain to princely. Bittersweet, these beautiful birds.

Tributes have been pouring in for a beloved swan who was run over and killed ... community was "very honoured to be blessed with these beautiful creatures". A report was made to Sussex Police ...

Graceful and striking, the black swan glides across waters with elegance ... making it a sparkling sight in flocks. This bird of paradise has shimmering black feathers and a sickle-shaped beak ...

A beautiful black swan that has been the centre of attention among twitchers has migrated closer to the harbour in Weymouth.