ABSTRACT
The swan has important place in the mythology and ancient literatures of the many countries specially that of Bhartiya sub continent, other Asian and European countires. The white species of swan is considered a bird of heaven, which is the ride of the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom in the Bhartiya sub continent. The place of swan in animal kingdom is presented in a flow chart. Some of the species of swan of old world and new world are also presented in a table. Some special characteristics of swan different than most of the other avian species are presented. The long bones are pneumatic due to which swans fly high and longer. In the Bhartiya mythology the swan is believed to eat pearl and wholesome milk and they are considered capable of separating added water in the milk. In fact swans are omnivorous birds preferably feeding on fishes, other aquatic animals and plants.
