It’s widely known that swans are incredibly social and romantic creatures, so it can be disconcerting when you encounter a solitary swan. However, there are several reasons why this might be. So why would a swan be alone? Here’s what you’ll want to know.
But first, it’s important to understand the mating habits of swans in order to discern why one might choose to be alone.
Do Swans Really Mate For Life?
It’s one of the first questions that comes to mind when we think about swans, and it’s true! Swans mate for life, which has caused them to become a symbol of monogamy. When swans mate, they form a monogamous bond that can last for years and years. For the majority of swans, this happens before the age of two, with the pair then moving off together to find suitable mating territory.
Swans are incredibly faithful and committed, so you’ll often see them out in pairs. If the pair has cygnets, the entire family will go out together, with both swans actively parenting their children. To show their affection for one another, swans may press their chests together and entwine their necks. Their affection also translates into territorial aggressiveness, which is why swans will hiss and chase off any humans that approach their nesting places or their mates.
So, Why Would A Swan Be Alone?
Since swans have such strong monogamous instincts, it stands to reason that you should never see a lone swan. However, it isn’t unheard of and there are several reasons for it.
Divorce
Despite their base desire to attach themselves to a single mate, some swan couples do get “divorced’. This may be because of a failure to breed together, or because one of the couple has chosen to pursue another swan. If you see a swan alone, it may not currently have a mate because it has just separated from one.
Death
If a swan’s mate has recently died, the surviving swan will go through a mourning period. Some mourning swans may join a flock for the company, but others will choose to remain alone in their nest, which is where you’ll observe them.
Temporary Separation
Not all swan separations are equivalent to divorce, so if you spot a swan going solo, its mate may be behind or concealed behind some grass or plants. Swans enjoy being close to their mates, but that doesn’t always mean being glued to each other’s sides!
It’s Not Mating Season
Naturally, mated swans spend pretty much all of their time together, but it’s normal to notice some swans going solo outside of mating season. Swans typically mate and breed in the spring, so they’ll likely be courting before that if they’ve met the one. But if they haven’t yet, it’s not unusual to see them roaming alone.
Age
As previously stated, most swans meet their mate before the age of two, so it’s natural for younger swans to not be paired up yet. They still have lots of growing to do before they’re ready for courtship. When the time comes, they’ll find a mate and then start to build a shared nesting habitat.
So, if you’re out birdwatching and discover a lone swan, there’s likely no cause for alarm. There are many different and perfectly natural reasons why a swan might be alone.
Start Shopping for Birding Gear!
The Most Dangerous Birds In The World
Most bird species are harmless, although there is a handful that can seriously injure or even kill you. And while the chances you’ll have a run-in with an aggressive winged beast is low, for safety’s sake (or your own curiosity) you’ll want to know more. So here’s a...
Iridescent Birds
Iridescent birds have plumage that can appear to change color depending on the angle at which you are looking at them. This makes these special birds not only unique but also oftentimes amazingly beautiful. So here are the top iridescent bird species you’ll want to...
Flightless Birds
There are many bird species that have lost the ability to fly due to evolution. While you may be familiar with some of them already, the odds are that there are quite a few which you aren’t. So here are some of the top flightless birds and what you’ll want to know...
Birds With Hair
Many bird species can look as if they have hair on their heads. While that “hair” is really made up of feathers they are nevertheless fun to look at. So here are some of the most interesting and unique looking and birds with “hair,” you’ll ever see. Silver Pheasant...
Bearded Birds
Birds with beards are always an interesting sight. And while they may not have real facial hair like us humans, it can often look like it. So here are some of the top bearded birds and what you’ll want to know about them. Wild Turkey The male wild turkey has a beard...
Cool Looking Birds
With so many different bird species on the planet, they really come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and other physical characteristics. And some bird species are just much more interesting in appearance than others. The following are some cool looking...
Birds With Long Pointed Beaks
Bird beaks come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Yet while they may not be as common as other types, birds with long pointed beaks have some of the most unique and specialized beaks in the world. So here’s a list of the longest and pointiest beaks in the business...
Snapping Turtle Facts
The common snapping turtle is known for its aggressive attitude and powerful jaws. There are many amazing things you’ll want to know about these large and ornery reptiles. So here are some of the top common snapping turtle facts. They Aren’t Picky Eaters The common...
Birds With Huge Beaks
There is an enormous variety of bird species on the planet. And while many have stunning colors or plumage, there are only a handful of birds with huge beaks. The following birds have some of the largest beaks on the planet. Toucan Toucans can have beaks that are as...
Ostrich Facts
The ostrich is a unique bird that is famous for its enormous size. But there are many more things you’ll want to know about this unusual-looking species. So here are some of the most amazing ostrich facts. Ostriches Live In Groups With more eyes on the lookout for...
Pink Bird Species
There’s just something special about pink plumage. Not only does it stand out visually, but the fact that it’s quite rare in the world of birds makes it even more extraordinary. So here are some of the coolest-looking pink bird species you’ll want to check out. Galah...
Birds With Strange Beaks
Birds with strange beaks can look totally bizarre. However those weird looking beaks are actually highly specialized tools. So here are some of the birds with the strangest beaks of all, along with what you'll want to know about them. Spoonbill Spoonbills are wading...
Birds That Look Like Turkey Vultures
The turkey vulture is a large and unique-looking scavenger. It has a featherless red head and dark plumage. However, despite its distinct appearance, there are a handful of other birds that look like turkey vultures. The following are the most similar-looking species....
Birds That Look Like Penguins
Penguins are flightless birds that typically have black and white plumage. They are top-notch swimmers that are only found in the Southern Hemisphere. However, there are quite a few other birds that are often confused with them. So here’s a list of birds that look...
Scary Looking Birds
There are many bird species that are known for their incredible beauty. Yet there are a few that are instead famous for their frightening appearance. So here are some scary looking birds you’ll want to check out. Shoebill The shoebill is a truly prehistoric looking...
Crazy Looking Birds
There is an unbelievable number of bird species on the planet. And that means that there are a few that are bound to stand out in terms of their looks. So here are some crazy-looking birds, that you’ll not only be shocked to see but that you’ll want to learn more...
Prehistoric Looking Birds
The birds we see today evolved from dinosaurs. Many species have changed so much that they don’t really resemble their ancestors much at all. Yet there are still a handful of birds that look as if they have stepped right out millions of years in the past. So here are...
Dinosaur Looking Birds
Modern-day birds are generally accepted to have evolved from dinosaurs. And there are many species that even today still have a prehistoric appearance. So here are some of the most dinosaur-looking birds on the planet. Stellar’s Sea Eagle With their sharp talons and...
Cassowary Facts
The cassowary is a unique-looking flightless bird native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. And there are many fascinating things about them. So here are some of the most interesting cassowary facts. It's The Most Dangerous Bird On The Planet The cassowary...
Golden Eagle Facts
The golden eagle is a large bird of prey. And there are many amazing things you’ll want to know about this species. So here are some of the top golden eagle facts. It's A Highly-Respected Species In The World Of Falconry Falconry is the sport of hunting animals using...