Swans

[dilligaf]

Why do swans often tuck one of their legs up behind their wing when they are in water?

[allotment10]

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/expert/previous/ swanslegs.asp
:)

[wildwood]

The leg-up is nothing more than a relaxation position, just as most humans cross one leg over the other when seated.

Because of restricted capillaries, the blood temperature in legs and feet of a bird is a lot lower than the rather warm body temp of 39+c. to prevent body-heat loss through the feet. To cool down all birds hyperventilate and to warm up they fluff their plumage out thereby increasing the insulating layer of air between the feathers and body.

[dilligaf]

Thanks for your replies. We have just moved to a town with a river running through it. There are plenty of water fowl and numerous swans.

I was a bit concerned when I saw one swan with its leg tucked up, it looked injured, then I saw another and another and wondered why.

Now I know.

Thanks.