Swan (Australian Black)

These swans are native to most of Australia, including Tasmania. Introduced populations are thriving in New Zealand and there are some free-living birds in Sweden.

The Blacks are the most social of the swans and during the breeding season will often nest in loose colonies. Most other swans will not tolerate other pairs anywhere near their nests.

Their greyish-black plumage is interrupted only by the white flight feathers. The parents often carry the young cygnets on their backs when they are swimming.

The common name ‘Swan’ is a gender neutral term, but ‘cob’ for a male and ‘pen’ for a female are also used, as is ‘cygnet’ for the young.

Photographed at Flamingo Hotel Aviary, Las Vegas, NV