AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Can Swans Fly?

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

I recently walked with a friend of mine and her dog when we spotted a pair of swans in the waterway along the walk. They have been there for several days and don’t appear to have moved from that spot. My fi rst thought is they are protecting a potential breeding site from the Canada geese who also occupy that space.

The answer to whether they can fly or not is ‘yes.’ Due to their large size, they require areas of large, open land or water to successfully take off and land. The seven living species of swans in the world are the trumpeter swan, black swan, whooper swan, black-necked swan, tundra swan (also known as the whistling swan), Bewick’s swan, and lastly, the mute swan. A common reference to a group of swans is a wedge, but some other references are flock, drift, ballet, and mark.

Swans are the largest members of the waterfowl family and considered one of the most elegant waterfowl on the planet. They are the one of the largest flying birds. Some can weigh more than 33 pounds, with a length of over 59 inches. The male (a cob) and the female (a pen) have no real distinction in appearance, except that the male is usually bigger and heavier than females. Baby swans are called cygnets. Swans mate for life (monogamous). Adult swans will begin to mate at 4 to 5 years of age. Several species of swans are migratory, whether it be partly or wholly. The lifespan of swans is generally 20 to 30 years in the wild.

Swans consume algae, aquatic plants, along with small fish, frogs, and worms and should never be fed processed food such as sugary food or pastries. Though they can eat bread, it is best to refrain from feeding wildlife, as human food lacks their dietary requirements. Depending on a particular swan and where they live, some of their main predators include foxes, raccoons, wolves, cats, hawks, eagles, and owls, who would target young swans.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.