This story appears in the December 2010 issue of National Geographic magazine. From the swirl of its initial letter to its sighing vowel and feather-soft final consonant, the very word—"swan ...

As the cold spells persist, an increasing number of whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) have embarked on their southward journey, seeking refuge in a variety of habitats across the country to spend the ...

The High Court has quashed a decision to refuse planning permission for a windfarm in Co Cork in order to protect the habitat of the whooper swan. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys directed that the ...