Simple observation
should tell you that this is rubbish. There are two versions of this myth; first, that they can break a man's arm with a beat of their wing. This is nonsense - lift is generated by air catching in their feathers, not from brute strength. Second, is that they can break a man's arm with a bite - this is even more ridiculous. The muscles in a swans mouth are the same size as the muscles in your fingers.

I've been bitten by a swan, and it was strangely pleasant.

They can, however, cause ruptured ear drums with a wingbeat if handled incorrectly. This used to happen to RSPCA people now and then. That is why the technique for picking up a swan (for whatever reason) is to hold it with it's back to you, your arms around it's wings and locked around it's chest. Remember this information; you may thank me for it one day.
(Seance Trumpet has got no beef with a man enjoying a croissant, Fri 25 Apr 2008, 10:23, Reply)