Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Cygnets return to nest at night?
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 18 May 2014
In Response To: Cygnets return to nest at night? (Mick)

Hi Mick:

Yes, the parents will bring the cygnets back to the nest for up to two weeks. These visits will occur during the daytime (several times for naps) and then at night. Until the cygnets can get their feathers water repellent, they must continue returning to the nest to keep from drowning or getting sick from remaining wet and cold. The parents will try to get the cygnets away from the nest as soon as their feathers mature so that predators cannot find them. The sooner they leave the area, the safer they will be as the parents will move them to a different area to also teach the young birds survival techniques and learn about their habitat. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Cygnets return to nest at night? -- Mick -- 18 May 2014
Re: Cygnets return to nest at night? -- The Regal Swan -- 18 May 2014