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Nigel Key Black Swan
(Slimbridge June 2015)
The Black Swan is common in the South West and Eastern parts of Australia and coastal islands. It was hunted to extinction in New Zealand but has since been reintroduced.
The Black Swan has the longest neck relative to its size of all the Swans. When they are swimming, they hold their neck arched or erect and often hold their wings raised in an agressive manner.
In New South Wales the Black Swan is protected under the National Parks and Wildlife act.
| Hear the Black Swan's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
1100mm to 1420mm (43" to 56")
Appearance - Male
The male has Black plumage with White flight feathers. It has a Red bill with a pale bar and tip and Grey/Black legs and feet.
Appearance - Female
The female is similar to the males except slightly smaller.
Habitat
Wetlands, Salt Water Lakes, Swamps and Rivers of South West and Eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.
Diet
Aquatic Plants and Algae.
Breeding Time
February to September.
Nest
Nests on a mound built from reeds, grasses and weeds.
Eggs
Quantity: 4 to 8
Colour: Greenish White.
Australian Black Duck
