Recently our fulfillment partner Zazzle started offering All-Over Print t-shirts and we have since added some to our store. This week's featured t-shirt is our new Trumpeter Swan, which was recently added to our site, on an All-Over Printed Unisex Tank. The unisex tanktop fits both men and women and is printed on 100% spun polyster that looks and feels like cotton. The Trumpeter Swan is the largest species of waterfowl in the world. They live across northern parts of North America. Their all-white plumage and heavy black bill make them a striking animal. You can customize this tank top! Move the swan around, change the background color or style, add text or images. If you like this bird don't forget to check out our other Trumpeter Swan gifts.
Before Europeans knew that the Black Swan was a real type of bird, they used it as a metaphor to describe something that didn't exist. For over 1500 years, to compare a thing to a Black Swan meant that it wasn't real, for in the eyes of Europeans, all swans were white. Mute Swans and Whooper Swans, both mostly white, were the only species of swan known to western culture at the time. Imagine how surprised you would be to see a flying pig, and you can guess how Europeans felt when they learned there really was such a thing as a Black Swan! When Europeans first visited Australia in the late 1600's, Black Swans were commonly seen on waterways. The birds are mainly found in the southeast and southwest parts of Australia. Today Australians, especially those living in Western Australia, have embraced the "otherness" of the Black Swan. For some it has come to symbolize antipodean identity, and the contrast between Australian culture with that of the northern hemisphere (and their white swans). The Black Swan can be found on the flag and coat-of-arms of Western Australia. If you'd like to read more about Black Swans and pop culture, check out this article.
Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Israel is the Hoopoe, and the national bird of Mauritius is the Dodo. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Chiyoda, Japan is the Mute Swan. A popular ornamental bird, Mute Swans have been introduced to North America and New Zealand, where wild feral populations thrive. These gorgeous large white birds are native to much of Europe and Asia. Interestingly, the current population of Mute Swans in Japan, numbering about 200 birds, is also introduced! However, the bird is historically native to the country. In fact, it was revered by the Japanese in the past; it is depicted on scrolls from over a thousand years ago.
Birdorable Mute Swan with the flag of Chiyoda
On the seventh day of Birdorable, my true love gave to me… 7 Swans-a-swimming! Our 12 Days of Birdorable continues today with yet another brand new bird species: the Birdorable Mute Swan.
The line Seven Swans-a-swimming in the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” may very well be referring to the Mute Swan. Mute Swans are very common throughout much of Europe, where they are a native species. Mute Swans have been introduced to other parts of the world for their ornamental value.
This is the seventh day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:
