Alberto Fantoni's Image

An adult mute swan stretched out its wings to launch a furious attack on a juvenile. Watching from the riverbank, Alberto followed the drama as the older bird repeatedly climbed on top of the younger one in an attempt to drown it. When the birds careered towards him, Alberto captured the violence of a species that is so often seen as a symbol of love.

Male swans can be territorial and, during breeding season, aggressive. Youngsters – identified by their pale, pinkish beaks and patchy brown-and-white plumage – are unwanted rivals. Belligerence between mute swans is normally preceded by warning displays of foot-slapping, wing-flapping and threatening postures. If the competition persists, a clash will follow.