Cygnus atratus

(Latham, 1790)

Vernacular names
English : Black swan
French : Cygne noir

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 140 cm in length for a weight of 8.7 kg. Males are bigger than females. Unmistakable species with its entirely shiny black plumage except from white flight feathers. Bright red bill with clear tip.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of Australia except west-central. Also found on Tasmania and introduced in New Zealand. Lives in lakes, lagoons, freshwater and brackish water wetlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common to abundant and is probably expanding its range. It is treated as a pest and hunted in parts of its range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Ducks, swans and relatives” page