Swan (Black Necked)

These beautiful birds are native to southern South America. The sexes are similar in plumage.

As indicated by its name, this is a large white swan with a black neck. A red knob or carbuncle at the base of the upper mandible is enlarged in males at breeding season. The black-necked swan has short wings, but still is a fast flyer.

They flock most of the year but are quite territorial when breeding. The males will chase other waterfowl, and almost anything else, from the vicinity of the nest. Unlike other swans, the nest is a small and poorly constructed one. Incubation lasts 36 days until the clutch of 4-5 hatches. The cygnets spend much of their time on the parents' back when not feeding.

Photographed at Flamingo Hotel Aviary, Las Vegas, NV