There are vicious rumours about the potential ferocity of swans and their ability to strike – and snap a human’s bones with a single beat of their wings. But is that actually true?
Could a swan actually break your arm?
Swans are the largest birds in the UK, with impressively powerful wings. If they’re protecting their nest, they can be particularly aggressive and hostile.
Their wingspan can reach up to 2.4 metres, one of the largest of any UK bird. Their wings are also incredibly powerful, generating huge amounts of force.
While swans are very powerful birds, it's very unlikely that a swan could directly break your arm unless you have brittle bones or are a child. But that’s not to say you couldn’t injure yourself as a result of being hit by a swan – if a swan hits you and you fall over, you could very easily break an arm! The force of their wing hitting you could also cause significant bruising.
The spring nesting season runs from April to June, so it’s worth staying clear of swans during these months, when they will be more territorial around their nests. There have been rare reports of swans attacking boats and canoes that got too close during this season.
They’re known to hiss and strike at humans or other perceived threats.
Male swans also engage in fierce battles with other swans during the breeding season, sometimes inflicting serious injuries on one another, using their wings, feet and beaks. You might spot swans neck wrestling during these fights, showcasing their full force.
Top image credit: Getty Images