Black-necked swan

Black-necked swan

Description

The black-necked swan is the largest waterfowl in South America. It grows to 102–124 cm long, with males weighing up to 6.7 kg. The body is snow-white while the head and long neck are velvety black, broken only by a thin white stripe behind the eye. A striking red fleshy knob (caruncle) sits at the base of the bill, larger in males and swelling during the breeding season.

Habitat

It inhabits freshwater and slightly brackish marshes, lagoons, lakes and sheltered coasts across southern South America. It spends most of its life on the water, where it is remarkably graceful; on land it moves clumsily and reluctantly.

Diet

Largely herbivorous, it grazes on submerged plants, algae and soft vegetation, filtering food and dipping its head beneath the surface. It also takes small aquatic invertebrates and insects.

Reproduction

Pairs are monogamous and usually bond for life. The female builds a bulky mound nest of vegetation in shallow water and lays 4–6 eggs, incubating them for about 34–36 days while the male stands guard nearby. Newly hatched cygnets often ride on their parents' backs.

Lifespan

In the wild it lives roughly 10–20 years, and over 30 years under human care.

Did you know?

Parents carry their grey cygnets on their backs, tucked into the plumage for warmth and safety, gliding across the water like little living boats.