This isn't my area either, but it does indeed seem to be of European origin. I completely agree with Vandoo that this is not a swan and a gannet is a very likely possibility.
I did find a heraldic meaning listed for that bird as "One who has to subsist by virtue and merit". However this could be meant to be another bird such as a duck or a goose. I just don't think it's a swan.
Here is the northern gannet in flight for comparison.
I suppose that the tulip pommel could also be a clue.
