Cygnus melancoryphus

(Molina, 1782)

Vernacular names
English : Black-necked swan
French : Cygne à cou noir

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

Identification
Largest Guineafowl species reaching a length of 72 cm for a weight of 1.6 kg. Unmistakable. Small bald head with brown feathering on nape. Blue back breast and belly with long black and white plumes. Wings black with white spots.

Range and habitat
The species breeds in southern half of Chile, South and east Argentina. It winters north to south Brazil. Lives in coastal wetlands, fresh and brackish waters, swamps and lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is fairly common in most of its range. It has been locally driven to extinction because of hunting. Local disturbances still occur.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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