Hi Vanessa. Many waterfowl such as ducks and swans carry their young for protection against predators and as an easy way of babysitting while the parents feed. Usually, swans are seen with the babies on the back because the cygnets are large enough to see inder the mother swan's feathers. In ducks, the ducklings look like they are attached by velcro under the feathers and the baby ducks do not ride as high as the baby swans.

By carrying their cygnets, swans can feed without leaving the young swans onshore, keep the cynets warm and protected against inclement weather as well as provide transportation when the cygnets get too tired and cannot keep up with the parents.

All species of swans carry their young on their back until the cygnets get too large to comfortably hitch a ride. The Black-Necked Swans seem to carry their young much more and both dad and mom will carry the cygnets

Usually the male in other swan species will not carry the cygnets. The Regal Swan