The tale about the ugly duckling that became a beautiful swan is metaphorical. It is based on the fact that swan chicks, known as cygnets, are born with darker down feathers than their bright white adult counterparts. However, we think even swan chicks are beautiful. While there are different types of swan in the world, the mute swan is the most emblematic of the bird type.
As they grow and develop, mute swans become a totem of beauty and grace. Elegance and beauty are connotations that come to mind to most people when we observe a swan. They strike us with their beauty and they are clearly worthy of being among the most beautiful animals in the world.
