Black Swan

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Black Swan - Michael Seyfort

Cygnus atratus

Body mostly black. Broad, white wing tips. Deep orange-red bill. Grows between 1.1-1.4m. Younger birds are much greyer in colour.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Swan
Biology

Forms isolated pairs for life. Both adults raise one brood per season. Breeds anytime of the year with ample rainfall. Breeding season is usually early-mid winter in southern Australia. Forms untidy nests of reeds and grasses on small islands or floating in deep water. Clutch size is usually 5 or 6 eggs but can lay up to 10 eggs. Incubation time is 35-45 days.
Distinctive Markings

Distinct narrow, white band towards the end of the bill. Curled feather tips gives this species its characteristic ruffles.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Genus
Cygnus
Species
atratus
Found throughout Australia except Cape York Peninsula. More common in southern parts of Australia. Introduced to New Zealand and New Guinea where they are now vagrant.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The world's only largely black swan.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Herbivore including algae and weeds.
Habitat

Diverse range of habitats including lakes, estuaries, rivers and temporary wetlands of arid inland areas.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Loud, clear bugling call. Defensive hiss.