The Royal Swans are a flock of swans of two varieties (the Mute Swan, and Black Swan),[1][2] the original six pairs of which were a gift to the city of Ottawa from Queen Elizabeth II in 1967, to commemorate the Canadian Centennial. Since then, the number of Royal Swans has increased, such that they now occupy the waters of the Rideau River between Carleton University and Cummings Bridge.[2]