Lucent Swan

The Lucent Swan is a species of waterfowl native to Yuriba. The birds are extremely rare, but unmistakable when seen. The population of Lucent Swans is extremely small, numbering no more than two hundred individuals; while this technically makes them endangered, they maintain a stable level of reproduction and thus have never dwindled below or risen above their current numbers.

Physiology

Lucent Swans are about 130 centimeters long, with a 230-centimeter wingspan. They are fairly large birds with snowy-white plumage. In profile they resemble the old-world Mute Swan, with their wings arcing up and back in their seated position, giving their bodies a sloping look down to the neck, which curves into a shallow S. They have orange bills tipped with black.

They take their name from their most unusual feature. Lucent Swans have evolved a type of bioluminosity, which they can control. During courtship rituals and at night the swans will glow with a soft, seraphic white light.

Behaviour

The swans seldom travel in groups of more than three. They prefer inland waters and can usually be found in the lake within the Yuriba Park or floating along the Yuriba River. Lucent Swan chicks remain with their parents until fully grown. Adult swans are monogamous; when they take a mate they remain mated for life and will not mate again even if one partner dies.

As with their European counterparts, Lucent Swans feed on submerged vegetation. They tend to travel near groups of Seraph Salmon, taking advantage of the purifying effect the fish have on the water in order to eat only safe vegetation in safe water. As a result Yuriban fisherwomen know them as Seraphbirds, and their presence is used as an indicator to move to clearer waters in order to keep the Seraph Salmon in the area from biting the bait meant for less toxic fish.

Lucent Swans build their nests among the roots of trees near the water. They lay very few eggs, only enough to keep their small population steady. They are somewhat territorial and capable of warding off even such predators as the Yuriban Fox. When threatened they emit a loud trumpeting sound that can frighten off predators, but otherwise they are silent, dignified creatures.

Mythology

It is believed that the Tianshiniichuan is actually a spring of drowned Lucent Swan, as the birds have all the qualities of a so-called "angel-girl." The swans are said to be sacred to Amanohara.

Local superstition claims that she who kills a Lucent Swan will anger Amanohara and suffer three years of unremitting bad luck.