Black Swan

The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a striking large waterbird, native to the southeastern and southwestern regions of Australia. It is characterized by its predominantly black plumage and a distinctive red bill, with a pale bar and tip. The legs and feet are a greyish-black hue. Males, known as cobs, are marginally larger than females, or pens, and possess a longer, straighter bill. Juveniles, referred to as cygnets, display a greyish-brown coloration with pale-edged feathers.

Identification Tips

Adult black swans range from 110 to 142 centimeters in length and weigh between 3.7 and 9 kilograms. Their wingspan stretches from 1.6 to 2 meters. Notably, they have the longest neck relative to body size among swans, which is typically curved into an elegant "S" shape.

Habitat

Black swans inhabit a variety of wetland environments, including fresh, brackish, and saltwater lakes, as well as swamps and rivers with abundant underwater and emergent vegetation. They are also found in permanent wetlands and ornamental lakes, and may occasionally venture into flooded pastures, tidal mudflats, or the open sea near islands or the coast.

Distribution

Within Australia, black swans are common in the wetlands of the southwest and east, and their range extends to adjacent coastal islands. They are nomadic birds, with migration patterns influenced by climatic conditions, such as rainfall or drought.

Behaviour

Black swans are highly sociable and can be observed either alone or in groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands. They are known for their strong, undulating flight, often forming a line or a "V" formation. On the water, they may carry their feathers or wings raised in an aggressive display.

Song & Calls

The black swan is known for its musical and far-reaching bugle-like sound, which can be heard both on the water and in flight. It also emits a range of softer crooning notes and can whistle, particularly when disturbed during breeding and nesting.

Breeding

Black swans are monogamous breeders, with both partners sharing incubation and cygnet-rearing duties. They typically nest in the wetter winter months, constructing large mounds of reeds, grasses, and weeds. Clutches usually contain four to eight greenish-white eggs, incubated for about 35-40 days.

Similar Species

In poor light or at a distance, black swans may be mistaken for magpie geese in flight. However, they can be distinguished by their longer necks and slower wingbeats.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the black swan is predominantly herbivorous, consisting mainly of aquatic and marshland plants. They feed by dipping their heads under shallow water or up-ending in deeper waters, and are also capable of filter feeding at the water's surface.

Conservation Status

The black swan is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is protected under various Australian laws and is not currently facing any significant threats to its population.