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These are Common Mute Swan Behaviors you will See.

September 13th, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in COMMON Mute Swan Behaviors

MUTE SWANs do not Read the various Books,
Websites or Articles Written about them.

I Hope this Topic Page will Help you Learn what Your Swans are Doing..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back

I Want to Start with these Images of a Swan
with a Leg and Foot Resting on his Back.
THIS is NORMAL.. He is just Relaxing.

To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back

I Frequently get Calls and EMails from VERY Worried People..
They are Concerned that a Swan’s Leg is Injured or Broken !!

Folks Seeing this Behavior for the First Time are Afraid their Swans or
Cygnets are Injured.. If you Observe this.. This is Perfectly Normal..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back

This Leg-Foot Position Also Aids Regulating their Body Temperature.
Foot Turned toward the Sun to Warm themselves during the Winter.
This will Allow Cooling on Hot Days.. as Water Evaporates from their Foot.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back

Watch the Swans for a While to be Sure. Just in Case there is a Problem.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back

The Black Australian Cob is Resting his Leg-Foot on his Back.. It is OK !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Stretching Leg Foot

Swans will S t r e t c h their Legs at Times.. This is OK.. Must Feel Good.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Stretching Leg Foot

OK ! ! Let’s S T R E T C H a Wing while Balancing on One Foot !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Stretching Leg Wing

Flapping their Wings helps to Align all the Wing Feathers..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Flapping Wings

Flitting – Some Swans Flit their Wings..
Seems Different with Individual Swans.
Some do this when Drying their Wet Wings.
Some do this when they are Irritated.. Annoyed by Visitors..
Some just do this.. Unknown Reason.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Flitting Wings

Be Aware of these Normal Swan Behaviors.. All Species of Swans do this.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL WILDLIFE SERVICES.. to Report this BEHAVIOR.
Several Swans have been Destroyed when WildLife Agents Responded..

  Mute Swan Angel Wing Deformity

I am Including these Images of Angel Wing Deformities.. BECAUSE…
This is Another Time People Unfamiliar with Swans become VERY Concerned.
Angel Wings are NOT a Broken Wing.. More Information is at:

SWAN Angel Wing Deformity
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-angel-wing-deformity/

  Mute Swan Angel Wing Deformity

BEFORE YOU SEEK HELP… BE SURE THERE IS A TRUE INJURY.
Send a Photo to Someone Familiar with WaterFowl.

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Working with Swans Year after Year, there are Some Common Behaviors.

The Good, the BAD and the OH NO… RUN ! ! – (Just Kidding)

Now for the MORE Fun Behaviors..

The Tail Wag.. … “Are They Happy to See Me ?
No… They are Cleaning their Bottom.. After Expelling Poop !

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wagging their Tail

When Swans are Happy to See You.. Their Upper Necks Swell.. Puff-Up.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion

Swans will Watch for You , if you have a Routine Time that you will Visit them.

Common Behavior 
Swans Come to Greet Us.

Nod YES – “Hello” when you First Make Eye Contact.. They Usually Nod Back.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion

And a BIG Happy Snort with their Head held High.. Is “HELLO.”

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Happy Greeting
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Happy Greeting
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion

Swans will Frequently Greet Each Other.. With Swollen Upper Necks.
This is Expressing Happy Emotions.. It is a Joy to Watch Them.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion

It is Delightful to Watch our Swans Expressing they are Happy.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Upper Neck Swollen with Happy Emotion

Our Sister Swans were Apart for Several Months..
They were SO Happy to be Together Again..
Their Greeting was Full of Happy Squealing, Head Turning and Swollen Necks.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Affectionate Greeting
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Affectionate Greeting

In the Summer Months this is an Affectionate Greeting..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Affectionate Greeting

During the Winter Months it is more Courting Behavior as their
Reproductive Hormones are Increasing.. Soon Mating will Begin..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Affectionate Greeting

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When I was Editing these Photos… I Realized I had Snapped our Cob
Checking his Females for their Reproductive Hormones.. Status.
Were they Ready for Mating.. Over Time, I found more Examples.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating

Many Times I have Watched the Females Encourage the Cob to Mate.
They Up-End. Showing their Cloaca to the Male.. ??? Maybe Pheromones.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating

A Pheromone is a Secreted or Excreted Chemical Factor that Triggers
a Social Response in Members of the Same Species. – Wikipedia

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Mating

Mating Season is about to Begin..

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Preening Together is Social Time.. Acceptance..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Preening Together
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Preening Together
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Preening Together

The Swan above is Scratching her Chin..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Preening Together
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Play Chasing

Happy Play Chasing can Happen ANY TIME !!

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Happy Snorting

Happy Snorting can be a Greeting or “Thank You” when you bring Treats.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Snorting Thank You

Mute Swans will Sing.. “Snorty-Grunting.”

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Joyful Singing
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Cob Singing for a Female
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Some Swans Sing
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Some Swans Hum

Expelling Air Through the Nares.. Helps Clear Stuck Feathers.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Blowing Bubbles

Swans will not Need a Tissue.. Just BLOW and Go…

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Blowing Bubbles

Bubbles – Bubbles – Bubbles

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Eating Grazing Under Water

It is Common to See Swans Grazing on UnderWater Plants.

Common Behavior 
Swans Grazing Under Water

Swans DO NOT Dive when Grazing the Way some Ducks Do..
They Up-End and Stretch . . .

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Eating Under Water

UP-Ending to Reach DOWN Under Water for Tasty Plant Treats.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Eating Under Water

***********************************************************************

“Meadow” was Whistling, while Walking with Rob to Exercise his Leg..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Whistling Walking

In September-October there were Colorful Mums in our Flower Bed.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Just Plain Cute

“Meadow” liked to Sit in them.. So Cute !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swans have Good Memory

On Nice Winter Days, “Meadow” would go to the Same Spot, Sit and Snort.

************************************************************************

One Summer we were Invited to “Swan Sit” a Mature Pair of Swans
during a Family Wedding. To keep Everyone Safe – Guests and Swans.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Family Wedding

There was a Lovely Instrumental Music Floating through the Air.
I Caught “Gracie” Twirling-Pirouettes in the Water..
She was Encouraging “George” to Join her. Nodding her Head to him.
After a Few Minutes even “George” did a Complete Twirl.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Family Wedding  Dancing

The Swans were Very Well Behaved that Day..
I Enjoyed our Time with them.

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Family Wedding
 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Family Wedding

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 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display

It is Good to Watch the Subtle Behaviors..
Similar Movements.. Mean Different Things..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display

This Mature Cob is Holding his Beautiful Wings in Display.
“Handsome Fellow” was as Perfect a Mute Swan Cob as any we Know..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display

“Meadow” is the 2009 Male Off-Spring of
“Handsome Fellow” and “Sweet Harmony.”

Below..Our Cob “Meadow” is Happy to See Us..
He is Swimming over to Greet us.. Not in a Big Hurry.. Calm Water..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display

This is “Mellow “Meadow.”

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display  Busking

Below “Meadow” is “Pushing Some Water” … Is this a Threat Warnings.. ??? Hum..

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display  Busking

THIS is BUSKING. A Threat Behavior.. HE is “PUSHING WATER.”
BEWARE !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Wings in Display  Busking

It is TIME to Give our Cob LOTs of Space !!!
This is an Annoyed Cob.. He Means Business !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Aggressive Hormonal

When a Cob has his Head Down – Walking Fast – Wings Held Out a Bit…
GET OUT of his WAY ! ! !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Aggressive Hormonal

This is a Good Time to have Some Type of Barrier.. ANYTHING Will Do !

 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Aggressive Hormonal

It was ALWAYs Wise to have Something between Us and a Hormonal Cob..

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 Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pushing Water

It was not often to see a Pen “Pushing Water.”
I Watched “Lizzie” to see what had her in such a Hurry..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Good Parents

She was Going to Chase One of her Cygnets AWAY from an UnSafe Place.
The Curious Cygnet knew his Dam meant Business. “GET OUT of THERE” !

Common Mute Swan Behavior
 Dam with Cygnets

Many of her Cygnets have been Taken by Snapping Turtle in their Ponds.
Very Few of “Lizzie’s” Cygnets Survived. So Sad.

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We would Visit this Young Pair of Male Swans about Once a Month..
They knew us.. and our Vegetable Treats.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

Both would Come Out of the Pond for some Visit Time on the Lawn..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

They Trust Us.. But will be Checking for Danger as we Visit..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

They would BOTH Look Around Frequently to Check for Danger.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

OOPs !! There was a Strange Noise Coming from a Nearby Field.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

They Stopped Eating… And Started to Talk to Each Other..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

We Watched the Boys Talk about what to Do.. Eat or Go Back to the Pond ?

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

They Agreed to Go Back to the Safety of their Pond.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

If you Check these Images, you will See them Looking Left – Right – Repeat.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

We NEED to Teach this Safe Behavior to our Young Childrens..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

Many Swans do this Naturally.. Interesting to Watch them Communicate.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cautious Visit

WE Still DO NOT Want the Swans to Cross Roads.

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Cobs will Position themselves to Protect their Female and Families.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Family

The Cob will Position themselves Between Visitors and their Family..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female

And the Cobs will Sit behind their Female and Guard her as she Eats..
A Polite Male will Allow his Female to Eat First..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female

Our Cob is Protecting his Nesting Female.. He is DOING his Job..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female

It is Common to See the Male Swimming Behind his Female.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Female

Swans will Swim with their Cygnets Between them.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob Protecting Family Cygnets

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Swans are Sight Oriented. Recognize People, Clothing, Cars, Motor Vehicles.
When wearing Hats & Coats during Winter – Talk – Call Hello – “Nod” Hello.

Watching us Over their Shoulders.
It is Common for Swans to Float so we are Looking at their Backs..
They do this to Watch all Around – Wide Peripheral Vision.
They will Slowly Turn their Heads Side to Side..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Looking Over Shoulder
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Looking Over Shoulder

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Swans are Curious Creatures.. They will Want to See what is Happening..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Curious

Swans will become VERY Worried about their Companion Swans..
If the Companion is being Checked or Removed from the Pond.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Curious

Here “Pippa” was Pacing Near “Harry” as his Feet were being Checked.
And a Small Under Tongue Impaction was Removed..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Curious

Check-up Finished… “Harry” made a Bee-Line Across the Pond..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Curious

Dear “Pippa” was VERY Happy. Her Neck REALLY Puffed-UP !!!

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Curious   Happy

This Cob would “Strut” when we Visited him… He was Never Threatening.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Strutting

The Young Cygnet is Scared.. He is Posturing-Stiff and Hissing.. “GO AWAY”

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Protective Fear

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Generally, Young Cygnets and Juvenile Swans will Welcome Immature Swans to their Pond..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Welcome

They Easily Form Juvenile Groups, Protecting the NewComers.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Welcome

They do Well Together until Around 24 Months Old..
Then Watch for Tension – Aggression. Time for Some ReHoming..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Non-Vocal Communication

We Witnessed the Behavior Below at Least Twice.. A Swan Neck-Hugging.
Rob had his Camera READY This Time..

These Young Swan Cygnets had been Apart for Several Months.
When ALL had been Successfully Rehabbed for Various Medical Issues,
We were Able to Bring them to Live Together on a Real Farm Pond..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
They Remember

They were Very Happy to Be Together Again..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
They Remember Happy  Hug

“Meadow” Neck-Hugged Both Sisters as they came up to his Preening Site.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
They Remember Happy  Hug

I have had Other Swan Folks Reporting this Neck Twining – Hugging Behavior.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
They Remember Happy  Hug

“Meadow” Hugged Both Sister Swans. He Accepted Both..
They formed a Threesome.. We were Very Lucky for 8 Years.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
They Remember Happy

A Threesome is NOT a Normal Behavior for Mute Swans..
Normally a Breeding Mute Swan Pair is One Male and One Female..

************************************************************************

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob

“George” was a Favorite Swan for us to Visit over the Years..
He was Everything a Mute Cob should be. He was “King” of his Pond.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob

“George” Patrols his Pond..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob

This Common Swan Behavior is Fun to Watch.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Splash Bath

Watching the Swans – Usually the Cobs – Run and Flap Over the Water Surface.
“Wing – Tipping” must Feel Good !

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Splash Bath

“George” was Very Much Loved by his Family for 30 Years.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Splash Bath
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Splash Bath
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Splash Bath  Preening

Time for Preening.

I Miss “George.” Lots of Memories that make me Smile..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Splash Bath  Preening
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Walking

“George” would Swim with us as we Walked along his Pond. (or Stalking)
During the Winter and Spring it was SERIOUS Stalking.. KEEP MOVING.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Walking

“George”

************************************************************************

During Colder Winter Months.. Snow and Ice can be Tolerated to a Point.
When there is a COLD Wind.. the Wind Chill Can Affect them.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Snow  Ice

Healthy Swans are WELL Insulated with Dense Down Close to their Body.
They can Sit on Snow and Ice by Pulling their Feet UP under their Wings.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Snow  Ice
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Shiverling

If you SEE a Cygnet or ANY Swan SHIVERING…
They NEED to be Sheltered from the Cold.

The Swan below is TOO HOT.. he is Heat Stressed..
TIME for Shade and Cool Water .

Common Mute Swan Behavior
Heat Hot Stress

A Shady Spot and Cold Pool Water and this Cob was More Comfortable.

Common Mute Swan Behavior
Heat Hot Stress

Kidde Pool Water OUT in the Summer Sun can get HOT ! !

Common Mute Swan Behavior
Heat Hot Stress

Different Swans and Cygnets Enjoyed the Water Current While the Pool is Refilled.

Common Swan Behavior 
Enjoying the Kidde Pool Water

The Black Australian Swans Liked to Dig in the Ground
and Put the Dirt in the Kidde Pools.

Common Swan Behavior 
Swans Digging in the Dirt

********************************************************************

Swans are Able to Walk on Snow and Ice to a Point.
When Air Temperatures are REALLY Cold.
Swans may be Reluctant to Walk on these Frigid Icy Surfaces

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Snow  Ice

“Meadow” Spent many Months in Recovery at our Home.
He had a Nasty Snapping Turtle Bite at 4 Weeks of Age.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Snow  Ice   Walking

This will be the First Year the Swans will have Christmas Lights. (-;

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Lights

We have Traveled many Miles over the Years with “Meadow.”
And we have had Help from Many, Many Kind and Loving People.
– Now Swan Friends.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Lights
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Winter  Lettuce

Swans will Take Turns Pushing and Biting a Head of Lettuce.. A Pond Game.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Lettuce  Play
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Walking

There were Several Swans that would Walk (Maybe Stalk) as we Walked
Around the Pond Edge.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cygnet  Walking

Several Weeks Later, with the Tragic Loss of her Sister..
“Victoria” was in Survival Mode.. and Afraid to Visit with Us..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Survival Mode

Lone Swans Behave much Different then with a Companion.

A Lone Swan is a Lonely Swan
https://swanlovers.net/category/a-lone-swan-is-a-lonely-swan/

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Our Cob “Meadow” is a Mature Mute Male.
His Annual Behavior Goes from “Mellow” to “Macho.” Typical Cob.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive

This is NOT Aggressive Behavior.. It is Trust..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots

I have Spoken with Other Swan Folks that Mention their Cob Bites Boots..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Cob  Non Aggressive  Biting Boots

There is a LOT of Trust between my Favorite Males..

************************************************************************

My Early Swan Visits were at SunRises along our Local River System.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set

I Noticed the Swan Watching the SunRises.. Really Watching the Sun Rise.
I Remember Wondering what she was think as another Day Alone began.

Literally, OUT of the Blue Sky One Afternoon a Mute Cob Found her !

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set

Swans ALSO Watch the Sun Set..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set

I Wish I Could Learn What they are Thinking at the End of their Day.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set

The River Swans would Visit Until Early Twilight then Head Off to their
Safe Night Place.. We Never Learned where they Went..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Watching  Sun Rise  Sun Set

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There is a Pair of Bonded Swans I Remember – BitterSweet Memories.
“Natasha” and “Boris”
“Natasha” was Gentle and Sweet – “Boris” – A True Mute Cob.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

This Series was Taken on a Sunny Fall Day.. “Boris’s” Hormones were Low.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

Watching them Share a Bowl of Salad Greens.. “Boris” was a Gentle Cob.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

He Allowed “Natasha” to Eat First.. Then they Ate Side by Side.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

“Boris” Adored “Natasha.” And she Adored him..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

They were Muttering Quietly to Each Other.. Swan “Small Talk” I Guess..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

Watching the Gentle, Loving Behavior between Bonded Pairs..
They are All Different.. It is Hard to Put into Words..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Pair Bonded

They were Lovely Dinner Guests.

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A Typical Behavior of Mute Swans is the Way they Carry their Heads.
Mute Swan Normally Swim with their Orange Beaks Pointing Downward.

Common Mute Swan Behavior

I have to Smile when they are Sorta Swimming and Napping..

Common Mute Swan Behavior

Swans Generally Sleep Very Lightly..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

Nap Time – It is Common to See Swans Sleeping during the Day.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

It is Common for One Swan to Watch while the Other Sleeps.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

This is Trust….. Both are Sleeping.. I Think. Shhhh….

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

YEP ! One is Watching. Just in Case… Cute.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

When Cygnets and Swans are Resting… their Feet and Legs do Too !!

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

Their Feet Look like Something is Wrong.. …All Folded & Twisty..
NORMAL..!!!

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Curious  Alert

I Notice Several Cygnets LOOKING Up in the Air.. Humm..
Then OFF in the Distance I Saw a Blimp.. Floating Quietly. They Saw it.

Swans are VERY Alert to ANY Hawk or Airplane Over their Heads..
As Prey they Need to be Watchful…

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap

They are Aware of the Slightest Movement..

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap

If there is Water Available..at Night.. Swans WANT to be IN IT !!!

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
Instinct to Sleep on Water

At Night Swans become VERY Quiet.. Their Normal Vocals are Whispered.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping   Nap

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Images and Observations Gathered by Linda M.Sweger UpDated May 2021
This is a Work in Progress.. I will Add as I have more to Share.

The Image Series are Examples of Similar Behaviors Observed with Various Swans.
All Swans are Individuals.. All have their Own Personalities.

************************************************************************
” I WISH I Could Talk to them Five Minutes a Month.”

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Sleeping  Nap

This is Normal – Their Leg and Foot are OK.

Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back
Common Mute Swan Behavior 
 Swan Leg Foot on Back

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