Australian Black Swan

The Australian Black Swan is found primarily in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, where it inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow flowing rivers.

Swans are the largest of all waterfowl. Black Swans have the classic swan look with the long arched neck and raised eyebrows. Its plumage coloration is predominantly black with an orange-red bill. The wings are black apart from the band at the end, that is white, and rather vivid when flying.

While graceful in flight and in water, the Black Swan walks rather clumsily and slowly on land!

Males, called cobs, are slightly larger than females, called pens. This species usually has the same mate for life. They are usually territorial animals and are typically found in solitary pairs at mating time. But they do sometimes nest in colonies and move as flocks. A courting behavior, called the ‘Triumph Ceremony’ is performed to strengthen the bonds of pairs. This ceremony is a back and forth display of calls and movements.

Females make a nest of sticks, twigs, and grass with mud to lay their eggs and males help the females incubate (sit on) them. Young are able to swim and feed shortly after hatching and may ride on their parents’ backs when in deep water.

Diet: Australian Black Swans feed on aquatic and marshland plants and algae