Nature features

Now we all know what swans are supposed to look like - big, long necks and white.

The pink feathers

But if you've visited the Thames in Berkshire, you may have noticed that the swans are turning pink.

While this may sound amusing, it's not pretty. It's in fact caused by a bacteria called Coryne-Bacterium which causes the feathers to lose their white colour.

And that's not all.

Joanne Denobriga from Swan Lifeline says: "As well as the decolouration, the wings are now not waterproof. The white feathers are dry but the pink feathers are still very wet.

"What happens, particularly in the winter, is that the swan will get hypothermia and it will die."

Swan Lifeline is doing it's best to care for the swans, but says hundreds have been affected.

Joanne explains: "We'll put them into the bath and, using Fairy Liquid, we'll wash their wings very carefully. That removes the bacteria.

"There are pens where we will look after them and where they'll be fed until we make sure all the discolouration has gone."

Swan Lifeline are hoping to get most of the birds treated before the winter when the condition can become a serious problem.

Hopefully the swans on the Thames won't be in the pink much longer.