Swans are among the most recognisable birds on our lakes and rivers, but their behaviour is often misunderstood. From dramatic displays to subtle signals, every movement has meaning. Here are some of the most common behaviours you might see, what they mean in the swan world, how they can be directed towards people, and what we as rescuers have learned from them.
1. Busking
When a swan arches its wings over its back and glides with an exaggerated, upright posture, it is “busking.” This is a display of dominance, usually by a cob defending his territory or family. It warns rival swans to keep away.
Towards people, busking is often aimed at anyone who strays too close to a nest or family of cygnets. It is a clear warning to step back.
Our experience: When we are called to nests, busking is usually the first behaviour we see. If we respect the warning, the swans rarely escalate further.
2. Foot-stamping
Swans stamp their feet in shallow water to stir up food from the lake bed, making it easier for them and their cygnets to feed.
With humans, foot-stamping has become a learned behaviour. Many swans now use it as a request for food.
Our experience: We often see swans stamping near the bank when they spot us arriving. It is not always hunger but sometimes a way of checking if we have brought food or plan to interact.
3. Head-bobbing
Head-bobbing is common in courtship and as a signal between adults and cygnets. It shows alertness and energy, and in pairs it helps synchronise behaviour.
Directed at humans, gentle head-bobbing often looks like a greeting. It can seem as if the swan is saying “see me, I am here, I see you, hello.”
Our experience: We are often greeted with head-bobbing when arriving at familiar lakes. Some rescues even seem to “thank us” by bobbing once released, before swimming calmly away.
4. Hissing
Hissing is a defensive behaviour. It tells animals such as dogs, foxes, or rival swans to keep their distance.
With people, hissing usually means you are too close. It is a warning, not necessarily aggression. In some situations, it can also be a way of saying that interaction, such as feeding, is acceptable but only on the swan’s terms.
Our experience: During rescues, hissing is often directed at us. We respect it, keep calm, and work steadily, which usually prevents panic.
5. Wing-flapping
After preening or bathing, swans rear up and beat their wings to realign feathers and dry themselves. It is also used to show strength and warn rivals.
On lakes with people present, wing-flapping can also draw attention, especially when swans are hoping for food.
Our experience: One of the most reassuring sights after a rescue is when the released swan wing-flaps and then settles into preening or bathing. That behaviour tells us the bird feels relaxed, calm, and safe in its new surroundings.
6. Preening
Swans preen constantly to keep feathers waterproof and flight-ready. Without this, they would become waterlogged and unable to survive.
Around people, preening often signals that the swan feels secure enough to let its guard down.
Our experience: When a rescue begins to preen soon after release, it is the best sign of trust and recovery we could hope for.
7. Mutual preening
Pairs often sit together and mirror one another as they preen. This strengthens their bond and is part of maintaining their partnership.
For people watching, it is a reminder of why swans are symbols of loyalty and devotion.
Our experience: We have often seen bonded pairs resume mutual preening within minutes of being reunited after one has been in care, which shows how strong their connections are.
8. Cygnets riding on backs
Very young cygnets climb onto their parents’ backs for warmth, protection, and rest. It helps them conserve energy and avoid predators.
Another important reason is waterproofing. For the first few weeks of their lives, cygnets are not able to produce the waxy oil from their own preen glands that keeps feathers water-resistant. By tucking under the parent’s wings, they share in that waterproofing and can stay warm and dry.
To human eyes it looks charming, but it is vital for survival. Parents sometimes approach people while carrying cygnets, taking advantage of human presence to deter predators.
Our experience: We often see cygnets ride on their parents after a stressful event, such as a rescue or relocation. It is a way for them to feel safe again, while also staying protected from the water until they develop proper waterproofing of their own.
9. Neck-curving
A graceful S-shaped neck means the swan is calm and relaxed. A lowered, snake-like neck points forward when the bird is about to challenge or charge.
When directed at humans, the lowered neck is a serious warning. It usually comes when earlier signals like hissing or busking have been ignored.
Our experience: This posture is one we always respect during rescues. If we stay calm and controlled, the swan often backs down rather than escalating.
10. Calling
Despite their name, mute swans are far from silent. They produce a variety of sounds, including soft whistles, grunts, snorts, and hisses. These are used between pairs, between parents and cygnets, and during aggressive encounters with rivals. Their wingbeats also make a distinctive throbbing or “singing” sound when in flight, which can be heard from a surprising distance.
With people, mute swans often use calls when they recognise familiar feeders or rescuers. They are intelligent enough to distinguish individuals and will sometimes vocalise in response to familiar voices.
Our experience: Many of our regular flock swans call softly when they see us arrive. Some even respond to our voices, showing how strongly they recognise and interact with us.