Scientific Name: Cygnus atratus

A mature black swan measures 120-130cm from bill to tail. The juveniles are covered in grey fluffy down until they produce their first feathers, which are grey-brown in colour. Adults are almost totally black with some white on the wing feathers. The bill and eyes are red. Males and females are similar, although the latter is usually a little smaller and the red colouration of the bill and eyes is less intense.

Did You Know? Incubating swans sit for 40 days or more until the young swans (cygnets) hatch with both parents taking turns to keep the eggs warm.

Habitat: The black swan lives on the lakes, rivers, swamps and estuaries throughout much of Australia except the arid interior and the far north.

Diet: The black swan feeds on aquatic plants and animals, which can be collected in fairly deep water by the long neck.

Reproduction: The female black swan usually lays about 5 or 6 pale green eggs with a slight lustre. Occasionally they will lay up to 9 eggs. The prominent breeding seasons are autumn and winter. The nest is constructed of a mound of aquatic vegetation, the building of which may begin after the first egg is laid.

Behaviour: The black swan makes a trumpet-like call when it moves from one feeding ground to another. It is difficult for swans to take off as they need a long expanse of water from which to become airborne. Once they are off the ground, they have a strong and graceful flight.