How high do swans fly?

The highest recorded flight altitude for a swan is 8,200 meters (27,000 feet), set by a Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) during migration over the Himalayas. However, most swan species typically fly at much lower altitudes during regular migration, usually below 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). The actual flight altitude chosen by swans may vary based on various factors such as weather conditions, terrain, wind currents, and the specific migration route they are following. Some swan species migrate along coastal routes while others prefer to cross open water or follow inland routes, influencing their flight patterns and encountered geographical features.