| Index: > A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
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| Black Swan
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| Cygnus atratus (Latham, 1790) |
This bird is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae.
Black swans are found in all states of Australia. The adult bird weighs up to 20 lb (9 kg). Unlike many other waterbirds, black swans are not migratory; they spend their entire life in the area where they were clutched.
Black Swans nest on large mounds that they build in the middle of a shallow lake. They reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Male and female swans share the care of the nest, and once the cygnets are fledged, it is not uncommon to see whole families looking for food.