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Black-necked Swan

Cygnus melancoryphus

Least Concern
Envergure
82,4 cm
Poids
5275,0 g
Famille
Anatidae
Ordre
Anseriformes

À propos

A large elegant swan with pure white body plumage and a contrasting jet-black neck and head, a red bill with bright red caruncle, and a white stripe behind the eye. Native to southern South America. Unique coloration makes it unmistakable. Feeds on aquatic vegetation by upending.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergure 82,4 cm 32.4 in
Poids 5275,0 g 186.07 oz

Identification

Plumage

White body plumage with entirely black head, neck, and upper foreneck. Red double-lobed knob at bill base. Bill grayish-blue. White stripe behind eye. Pink-red legs. Sexes similar; striking contrast.

Habitat & Range

Freshwater lakes, lagoons, rivers, estuaries, and coastal wetlands in southern South America from central Chile and Argentina to Tierra del Fuego. Partially migratory; concentrates at coastal estuaries in winter.

Répartition géographique

Breeds across the northern Great Plains and prairie provinces; winters along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico.

Diet & Feeding

Grazes aquatic plants and dabbles for invertebrates; diet includes seeds, roots, and aquatic invertebrates in shallow wetlands.

Statut de conservation

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: M. Incubation: 34-36 days. Fledging: 100 days.

Taille de la couvée

4-8

Son

Chant

A musical, whistling 'whoo' or soft 'whooh'. Less loud than Trumpeter or Whooper Swan. Gives hissing at close range. Considered relatively quiet for a large swan.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
Famille Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)
Genus Cygnus
Espèces Cygnus melancoryphus

Distribution

Black-necked Swan has been recorded in 5 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Black-necked Swan eat?
Grazes aquatic plants and dabbles for invertebrates; diet includes seeds, roots, and aquatic invertebrates in shallow wetlands.
Where does the Black-necked Swan live?
Freshwater lakes, lagoons, rivers, estuaries, and coastal wetlands in southern South America from central Chile and Argentina to Tierra del Fuego. Partially migratory; concentrates at coastal estuaries in winter.
Is the Black-necked Swan endangered?
The Black-necked Swan has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Black-necked Swan nest?
Nest type: M. Incubation: 34-36 days. Fledging: 100 days.
What does the Black-necked Swan sound like?
A musical, whistling 'whoo' or soft 'whooh'. Less loud than Trumpeter or Whooper Swan. Gives hissing at close range. Considered relatively quiet for a large swan.
How big is the Black-necked Swan?
The Black-necked Swan has a wingspan of 82.4 cm, weight of 5275.0 g.
What order and family does the Black-necked Swan belong to?
The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Anatidae family

Comparer

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