Swan behaviour (1 Viewer)

[mary99]

I was watching a pair of swans, that were circling one another for about half an hour then one made a lunge and chased the other out of the water. Then mounted it, standing on its back and holding its neck, this looked like mating behaviour if a tad aggressive. But then the 'mountee' was struggling to get away and the first swan chased it right out of the area. I saw the same thing happen later with another swan, the one on the receiving end being chased into scrub and then right out of the perimeter, I found it later walking down a path limping and looking very sorry for itself.

Was this mating behaviour or male fighting?

 

[Kits]

An interesting account and set of photos. Maybe ask in the Bird Behaviour board?

 

[bizet2013]

Very interesting indeed. I too would be curious to find out the reason behind such behaviour.

 

[Bob Pert]

Swan behaviour 2

A couple of weeks ago I was at Loch Balgavie (Angus) and saw the self-same thing! I thought a unpaired male had maybe antagonised the other. They went at it hammer and tong for about 10 minutes. They also attracted the attention of the geese who flew in to spectate!