svanstippen

Svanstippen is a colloquial term, primarily used in Sweden, that refers to the very tip of a swan's tail feathers. This specific part of the plumage is often white, even on swans that have darker body feathers. The term itself is a direct translation of "swan tip" from Swedish, with "svan" meaning swan and "tippen" meaning the tip.

While not a formal ornithological term, "svanstippen" is commonly used to describe this distinctive white marking. It can be a way for people to identify a swan or to point out a particular feature of its appearance. The exact length and prominence of the svanstippen can vary between individual swans and may also differ slightly between species, such as the mute swan or the whooper swan. This visual characteristic is part of the overall plumage that contributes to the iconic image of a swan. The white tip is formed by the structure and pigment of the feathers at the very end of the tail, contributing to the bird's elegance in flight and on water.