Mourning Swan

No Sign of Grief
Young mourning swans live in groups to find a suitable mate. Once a pair has found each other, they go through life together from then on. To demonstrate their bond and defend the territory they once fought so hard to claim, the pair holds regular “triumph ceremonies” according to strict rules. The male initiates the ceremony by swimming toward the female with his chin raised, wings spread, and calling out loudly. After taking turns nodding their heads and stretching their necks, they then swim harmoniously in a circle.

The harmonious image of these faithful swans continues in their parenting. While nest-building is usually the female’s responsibility, the male gets involved at the latest during incubation and raising the young. Although the gray-brown cygnets can swim very soon after hatching, they nevertheless remain in the nest for 2 to 3 weeks—better safe than sorry. Once comfort has proven itself, they aren’t so quick to give it up later on: If conditions on the water become turbulent, they’d rather be carried on their parents’ cozy, dry backs.

Did you know?

A black-necked swan's neck is longer than its body. It uses its neck to forage for aquatic plants at a depth of one meter.