From observations, the Mute Swans, as well as other swan species, take naps here and there. Regardless if the swans are in a wild or captive settings, there are many predators (domestic and wild) that the swans need to avoid and be constantly aware. The safest area is for the swans to sleep at night or take naps in the water, however, if the setting is an enclosed (fenced or penned) area so that the habitat is stable and no predators able to access, the swans may take short naps on the banks of the pond or lake. Usually, these naps and sleeping patterns last less than 30 minutes at a time. The Regal Swan