The mute swan is one of the UK’s most recognisable native species. With around 30,000 breeding pairs across the UK, swans are a regular sight in shallow lakes, meandering rivers and formal parks. This beautiful bird has few natural predators, but is frequently injured or killed by the action of humans. A number of swan rescue centres operate across the UK to treat and care for injured swans, with a view to releasing them back to the wild once fully recovered.
History - do all swans belong to the Queen?
The majestic swan has left its mark on humans throughout history. In the Middle Ages, swans were considered valuable commodities, and were traded between noblemen. Owners of swans would mark their birds by means of characteristic nicks on the beak. Many people believe all swans are the property of the Queen. However, the Worshipful Company of Vintners and Dyers maintains ownership and care of some birds on the river Thames. The Company holds an annual Swan-Upping ceremony in which their cygnets are marked, with unmarked birds on the Thames remaining the property of the Queen. The Queen does maintain prerogative over all remaining swans in England and Wales, and swans continue to be despatched over the world as gifts in the Queen’s name.
Swan habits
The swan’s graceful long neck enables it to eat aquatic vegetation from the riverbed. They also eat molluscs and small fish, frogs and worms. Swans can also graze in grassy fields. Swan pairs usually nest for life, and build nests consisting of huge mounds of dried grass and vegetation. The female bird, known as the pen, is responsible for nest-building whilst the male cob gathers the materials.
The female lays up to seven eggs in the spring. The cygnets hatch in between 35 and 41 days, and live with their parents for four or five months. Cygnets gradually lose their brown plumage during this time until they are predominantly white.
Threats to swans
Swans are able to defend themselves against most potential predators, although occasionally foxes may take birds roosting near the bank. It is illegal for humans to intentionally injure or kill a wild swan, but due to their feeding habits and flying accidents, the activity of humans can have a severe impact on swan welfare.
Fishing is one of the main activities causing damage to swans. Until recently, lead poisoning was common among swans, with 86% of cases at the Swan Sanctuary requiring treatment for lead poisoning. Swans take in small amounts of grit from the floor of the river when they graze, and this is necessary to provide the gizzard with a grinding medium to break up food. Small lead fishing weights are therefore frequently ingested and can lead to poisoning. Since 1986 it has been illegal for anglers to use lead weights, so the incidence of lead poisoning among swans is now greatly reduced. However, injuries due to entanglement with fishing hooks continue to represent a significant risk to swans living in areas frequented by anglers.
Swans may also run into difficulties when flying. Common incidents include flying into power cables and getting stranded on busy roads. It is thought the turbulence over roads may knock a flying swan off balance, thus forcing them to land on the carriageway.
Swans are also at risk from discarded oil. The UK public discard quantities of engine oil each year equivalent to a major industrial spill, and this can cause oil toxicosis in swans: a condition which can be very difficult to treat.
Rescue centres rehabilitate injured swans
A number of swan rescue centres throughout the UK provide specialist care for injured or ill swans. The Swan Sanctuary is an example of a leading swan rescue facility located in Middlesex. This charity rescues around 3000 swans per year, and has a team of volunteers and experts on hand 365 days of the year. It has state of the art veterinary facilities and accommodation for dozens of injured swans.
Sources
“Swans on the River Thames” The Worshipful Company of Dyers
“Mute Swan” RSPB
Veronica Mitchell - Veronica studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge University before becoming a secondary school science teacher. She enjoys writing about ...
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