How Long Do Swans Live? (Complete Guide)

Swans are known for their grace and affection, but they are also incredibly intelligent and have tremendous flight stamina.There are only six species of swans in the world Cygnus Genus Duck family families, who live in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America. Here, we want to answer a question: How long does a swan live?

The average lifespan for wild swans is around 9 to 12 years, but there are many examples of them living into their 20s and early 30s. Swans face many risks in the first few months of life, with up to 50 percent of cygnets dying within three months of hatching. This is part of the reason why the average lifespan of swans is relatively low relative to larger birds.

Still, many swans lived into their 30s, suggesting that these birds can live exceptionally long lives if the conditions are right. The oldest known swan, a mute swan, was put on a ring on February 21, 1970 in Heikendorf, near Kiel, northern Germany, and was found dead in Denmark in 2009, making it Aged slightly over 40 years old.

Unfortunately, as with many other bird species, the reality is that most swans die before reaching adulthood.

Read on to learn more about the lifespan of these graceful birds!

A mute swan in Germany lived to be in his 40s!

What is the typical lifespan of a swan?

Swans live about 9 to 12 years in the wild, which may be shorter than many people expect. However, due to the high 1-year mortality rate, swans may appear to have a shorter lifespan – sexually mature adult birds most likely live longer than average.

High chick mortality and first-year mortality in swans means that many swans do not live to their first birthday. However, when the conditions are right or in captivity, swans can live beyond 30 years.

How long do swans live in the wild?

Lifespan is usually around 9 to 12 years, although there are many examples of longer lifespans, both in the wild and in captivity. Swans are hardy birds, but their average lifespan is compromised by nest failure and high chick and first-year mortality.

The average lifespans of the six swan species are as follows:

• Mute Swans: Average 10 to 12 years. The oldest known individual was at least 40 years old.
• Trumpeter swan: Average 12 to 16 years old. The oldest known age is around 26 years old. Another candidate may be 42 years old.
• whooper swan: Average 9 to 12 years. The oldest known age is over 30 years old.
• Black Swan: 12 to 15 years old. The oldest known age is about 25 years old.
• Black-necked swan: 10 to 12 years. The oldest known age is about 30 years old.
• Swans of the Tundra/Bewick: Average 9 to 11 years. The oldest known age is about 25 years old.

Bewick’s swans typically live 9 to 11 years in the wild

How long can swans live in captivity?

There are many examples of captive swans living into their 20s. For example, Kimchi, a whooper swan raised in Leeds Castle in the United Kingdom, died at the age of 30.

Kimchi celebrated his 30th birthday that year with cake and was clearly the rowdiest member of the castle!

How long do swans live in the UK?

There are three species of swans in England; the dumb, hooper and bewick’s. All three have an average lifespan of about 9 to 12 years in the wild, but some dumb and whistlers have been recorded living much longer in the wild.

In the UK, it is not uncommon for swans to live to be around 20 years old, as they are a protected species with few predators, especially when they are adults. However, chick and first-year mortality is high, while cygnet survival is low.

It’s not uncommon for UK’s whooper swans to live to be 20

How Do Most Swans Die?

Swans usually die from predation, disease and starvation. Although swans are large, their nests and young are predated by wolves, cats, mink, foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey such as hawks, hawks, and owls.

Many swans die from cygnets before they reach maturity. It is not uncommon for all cygnets in a brood to be taken by predators. Other cygnets die of starvation and disease—the risk is especially high in the cold early winter.

Once adults, swans often die from flight accidents and trauma, lead poisoning, and diseases such as avian tuberculosis and aspergillosis.

What is the life cycle of a swan?

Swans have a relatively slow life cycle, usually not breeding until they are 2 to 4 years old. The incubation period is also long, with cygnets staying with their parents for as long as six to 12 months before leaving to join their own flock.

• Incubation time: 32 to 45 days
• Time spent with parents: 4 to 12 months
• Sexual Maturity: 2 to 4 years
• life: 9 to 15 years old+

Black swan swimming on a lake in New Zealand

What are the natural enemies of swans?

Swans are large birds, but they still face many threats on land, sea and air. Some of their main predators on land include cats, foxes, raccoons, wolves, and skunks.

Hawks, hawks, and owls may also target cygnets and cygnets. Even large fish and amphibians, such as snapping turtles, pike and large bass, can eat cygnets.

How big was the oldest swan?

The oldest possible swan was a mute swan in Heckendorf near Kiel, northern Germany, on February 21, 1970. It was found dead in Denmark in 2009, just over 40 years old.

An old trumpeting swan named Thoreau in Washington, USA, would probably be even older if he were alive today. In addition, there are many cases of swans living into their 30s, such as Pickles, who died at Leeds Castle in Kent, UK, at the age of 30.

Trumpeter swans usually live 12 to 16 years in the wild

How long can a swan live without eating?

Swans probably need food every day. In the wild, they can eat up to 25 percent of their body weight in a day.

If a swan does not eat for 24 hours or so, it may become tired and lethargic. Unfortunately, many cygnets die of starvation – they need to be fed multiple times a day.

Can swans survive the winter?

Swans are tough, hardy birds that breed in the far north. Many do migrate in winter, but some species breed on arctic and subarctic tundra.

Swans have exceptionally thick, dense feathers and a thick layer of blubber to protect against the cold. Their wide webbed feet also help reduce heat loss.

A mute swan swimming on a lake in winter

Swan Lifespan FAQs

Can swans live 100 years?

A swan doesn’t live longer than 100 years, and it doesn’t come close to it. The oldest swans are thought to be around 40 years old, but many have lived into their 30s. This is especially ancient in most birds.

How long do trumpeter swans live?

Trumpeter swans have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. The oldest record, but a trumpeting swan in Washington probably far exceeds that, especially if it is alive today.

How long do mute swans live?

The average lifespan of a mute swan is about 10 years, but the oldest swan (and the longest-lived swan in the world) was at least 40 years old when it died in 2009. This swan was brought into captivity in Germany in 1970.

How long does a black swan live?

The average lifespan of a black swan is about 12 to 15 years, but some can live to be around 25 years old.

What swan lives the longest?

In fact, all six species of swans have very similar life expectancies. Although the oldest swans were likely to be mute swans, there was no significant difference between the average and longest lifespans of various swans.