"Black-Necked Swan" (Cygnus melanocorphus)

	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins
	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins
	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins
	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins
	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins
	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins
	Photograph by © Ray Desjardins

Black-Necked Swans are a typical white swan but with a black head and neck and large red knob at the base of the bill...perhaps the most attractive of all swans. Thier wings produce a whistling sound in flight. Cygnets are carried on the back of adults until quite large. The male is aggressive, chasing other waterfowl or any intruder from vicinity of nest. Take-off and landing executed with more difficulty than other swans...possibly because of relatively short legs. Feeds mainly in shallow water by dabbling and submerging head.





Size: length: 102-124 cm.

Male: Male larger and longer-necked than female. Head and neck velvet-black, except for lower portion, with a narrow white line extending from forehead to a little behind the eye. Remainder of plumage completely white.

Female: Similar to male, but smaller.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes and shallow lakes, coastal lagoons.

Voice: a weak, wheezy whistle





More "Australian Black Swan" Information:
"Black-Necked Swan Nests, Eggs & Babies"





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