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What's this swan doing?

9 replies

IHeartHalloumi · 20/04/2025 11:34

Large pond with multiple swans - 1 in swimming round with it's wings rucked up - doesn't look injured. Is this a dominance thing? Several adults and juveniles here.

What's this swan doing?
What's this swan doing?
OP posts:
PowderRoom · 20/04/2025 11:39

Threat display, usually towards anyone on their territory, especially if they’re around the nest or cygnets. Sometimes accompanied by hissing.

IHeartHalloumi · 20/04/2025 11:43

Is that likely to be directed at humans or other swans? There is a nest but at other end of pond (about 100m away, has swan sat on it). I'm a bit surprised by the number of swans here - I think 4 juveniles still with some brown feathers and 7 all white ones (some smaller than others). People about but no one too close. There was a swan off a couple of years ago with 1 presumed killed by another

OP posts:
SwanOfThoseThings · 20/04/2025 11:48

I'd keep well away from that swan!

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PowderRoom · 20/04/2025 11:49

IHeartHalloumi · 20/04/2025 11:43

Is that likely to be directed at humans or other swans? There is a nest but at other end of pond (about 100m away, has swan sat on it). I'm a bit surprised by the number of swans here - I think 4 juveniles still with some brown feathers and 7 all white ones (some smaller than others). People about but no one too close. There was a swan off a couple of years ago with 1 presumed killed by another

Could be either.

AcquadiP · 20/04/2025 12:05

It's territorial display language warning people and dogs to keep away. Give it a wide berth!

SwanOfThoseThings · 20/04/2025 12:10

Birds are very territorial at this time of year. I was walking down a canal path, minding my own business, and passed a Canada goose sitting on the bank. Next thing, the goose was up and chasing me, trying to jab at my legs! I felt very silly running away from a Canada goose but believe me, I would not have come off well had I stood my ground.

CalicoPusscat · 20/04/2025 12:11

They can be quite aggressive if they feel a threat in any way

IHeartHalloumi · 21/04/2025 20:16

I think it's probably being aggie to other adult swans - similar behaviour today and a bit of hissing at other swans. Hopefully means it'll be a good parent

OP posts:
Branleuse · 21/04/2025 20:18

It means that it wants to break your arm

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