Black-necked Swan

Cygnus melanocoryphus

Clear shot of a Black-necked Swan
Photo courtesy of Rupert Stephenson

These beautiful birds are native to southern South America. The sexes are similar in plumage.

They flock most of the year but are quite territorial when breeding. The males will chase other waterfowl, and almost anything else, from the vicinity of the nest. Unlike other swans, the nest is a small and poorly constructed one. Incubation lasts 36 days until the clutch of 4-5 hatches. The cygnets spend much of their time on the parents' back when not feeding.