How Do Swans Float on Water?

Swans have many fleecy feathers set very close together. They preen and groom themselves all the time to keep the feathers coated with oil. That keeps water from wetting the feathers and lets the swan float. Swans have fine, lush feathers. The birds groom their feathers constantly to keep them coated with oil so that they will repel water and the swans can float. Swans have webbed feet. That's one reason they are such good swimmers. Swans have heavy bodies, so they run on the top of the water to pick up speed before they take off and fly into the air.