Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Cygnet separated from parents and siblings
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 4 June 2013

Hi Shelly:

You are very welcome. It is normal behavior for a swan parent to abandon and even attempt or actually kill a cygnet if something is wrong with the young bird. Wildlife is not kind to something sick or injured that can either spread disease or lead a predator to the rest of the family or flock.

As far as staying away because of the cygnets death, probably not unless it involved a predator. Usually, predators, lack of food or habitat resources will cause the birds to move from area to area.

Messages In This Thread

Cygnet separated from parents and siblings -- Shelley -- 2 June 2013
Re: Cygnet separated from parents and siblings -- The Regal Swan -- 3 June 2013
Re: Cygnet separated from parents and siblings -- Shelley -- 4 June 2013
Re: Cygnet separated from parents and siblings -- The Regal Swan -- 4 June 2013