Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Swan behavior: Is swan with wings resting on the water in distress?
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 29 August 2014

Hi Patti

It is hard to tell from the photo without seeing the full context of how the wings are being used. Swans exhibit this behavior if they are: bathing and trying to get the wings and body wet, juveniles learning how to fly or swans that are being chased and beaten by another swan and trying to get away, but stressed or tired from trying to escape. If they all left together and are swimming normally, it was probably bathing or trying to fly behavior. If you see any further signs such as being chased and not allowed back in the water or too tired to eat and swim, then the bird needs someone to capture it and have it examined by an experienced bird/waterfowl veterinarian. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Swan behavior: Is swan with wings resting on the water in distress? -- Patti -- 29 August 2014
Re: Swan behavior: Is swan with wings resting on the water in distress? -- The Regal Swan -- 29 August 2014