Australian Black Swan

Native to Australia and Tasmanian wetlands with new populations now being introduced into New Zealand. This large graceful bird is most often seen in captivity (i.e. private collections, city parks and large zoos). Both male and female swans have a red bill with a white band, gray feet and legs, and white primaries that are seen only if the swan is in flight.

They subsist primarily on water plants and when in the wild choose to live near fresh water, building their nests from large mounds of grasses and reeds.

In the wild, the Black Swan usually nests in June and July, but in the Northern Hemisphere it is not unlikely to find a pair nesting at different times throughout the year.  The nest clutch typically consists of 5 to 8 seven large greenish eggs that are incubated by both parents for approximately 36 days.

The Black Swan's call is said to sound musical, resembling a trumpet. When alarmed or when strangers approach their young, the swan raises its long neck to sound a warning call.  They are even known to attack passersby, so it is wise to have them penned and separated from viewers to any farm.

The Black Swan is the emblem on the State of Western Australia's state seal.

Other facts about the Australian Black Swan:

• A hardy bird

• Wingspan of  6 1/2 feet

• Require large sources of water and plenty of lettuce and other greens

• Easily adapt to most climates

• Parents of carry their young, cygnets, on their backs

• Young swans grow at a very slow pace, not reaching maturity until their third year