Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Why is a female swan called a pen
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 23 April 2013
In Response To: Why is a female swan called a pen (Paige)

Hi Paige:

Good question.

The male swan is called a cob due to the knob on his beak. This comes from the old German term "Knopf" meaning knob.

The female is called the pen because of the way she holds her wings back in a penned manner from the English term "Penne".

Baby swans are called cygnets from the Latin Genus name: Cygnus

We hope this helps. If you need further information, please let us know. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Why is a female swan called a pen -- Paige -- 23 April 2013
Re: Why is a female swan called a pen -- Artisanna -- 8 June 2015
Re: Why is a female swan called a pen -- The Regal Swan -- 23 April 2013