Black Swan - Cygnus atratus
Habitat:
Wetlands: freshwater lakes, ponds, slow flowing rivers and sea shore lagoons
Range:
The Black Swan is common in the wetlands of south western and eastern Australia and adjacent coastal islands.
Activity Cycle:
Diurnal
Features:
Black Swans are mostly black feathered birds, with a line of white flight feathers of the wing edges that sometimes show when at rest, and are conspicuous in flight. The bill is bright red, with a pale bar and tip; and legs and feet are greyish-black.
Size:
Mature Black Swan measures between 43-56 inches in length and weighs 8.1-20 lbs. Its wing span is between 5.3-6.5 ft.
Social Structure:
Black Swans can be found singly, or in loose companies numbering into the hundreds or even thousands.
Life Expectancy:
Up to 40 years
Diet:
The black swan eats mostly water plants and some grain. It reaches under the water with its long neck to get these plants, and it even eats the roots.
Reproduction:
Generally, black swans nest in the wetter winter months (February to September), occasionally in large colonies. A typical clutch contains 4 to 8 greenish-white eggs that are incubated for about 35-40 days
Status:
The Black Swan is protected under the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974. It is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Interesting Facts:
- Can whistle
- Babies ride on the parents backs until time to fledge
- Adults female is called a pen and an adult male is called a cob
- A baby is called a cygnet
- Swans molt once a year during which time they are flightless.
- They mate for life and nest in colonies with both birds building the nest.
- They are the only entirely black colored swan in the world.
Video:
Socialize
