Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
Meet the Black Swan
Habitat & Range
Black Swans are native to Australia and are found throughout much of the country, including Tasmania.
They live in a variety of wetland environments including lakes, lagoons, rivers, estuaries, swamps and sheltered coastal waters.
Healthy wetlands with abundant aquatic vegetation provide important feeding, resting and breeding habitat for these distinctive waterbirds.
What's on the Menu?
Black Swans are primarily herbivorous and feed mainly on aquatic plants, algae and other vegetation.
They often feed by dipping their long necks beneath the surface of the water to reach submerged plants.
In shallow water, a swan may tip its body forward with its tail pointing into the air while reaching vegetation growing below the surface.
Amazing Adaptations
Black Swans have long, flexible necks that allow them to reach underwater vegetation while remaining at the surface.
Their broad, webbed feet act like paddles, helping them move efficiently through the water.
Although their plumage appears almost entirely black when they are resting, Black Swans have white flight feathers that become clearly visible when their wings are spread.
Did You Know?
Baby swans are called cygnets.
Young Black Swans are covered in soft grey down rather than the dark plumage of the adults. As they grow, their feathers gradually develop the characteristic adult colouration.
Behaviour
Black Swans are social birds and may gather in large groups when feeding, resting or moving between suitable wetlands.
Breeding pairs form strong bonds and work together to defend their nesting territory and care for their young.
Their nests are usually large platforms made from reeds, grasses and other vegetation, often constructed in or close to shallow water.
Conservation & Threats
Black Swans are widespread, but like all wetland wildlife they depend on healthy aquatic environments.
Wetland loss and degradation, pollution, entanglement in fishing line and other waste, vehicle collisions and disturbance around nesting areas can all affect individual birds.
Protecting wetlands and maintaining clean waterways benefits Black Swans as well as the many other native species that depend on these habitats.
Black Swans at Trowunna
Black Swans provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about Tasmania's wetlands and the remarkable wildlife that depends on healthy waterways.
Their specialised feeding behaviour, webbed feet and long neck demonstrate some of the adaptations that allow waterbirds to thrive in aquatic environments.
By learning about native waterbirds, visitors can also discover why protecting wetlands, waterways and surrounding vegetation is an important part of wildlife conservation.
How You Can Help
- Protect wetlands, waterways and surrounding native vegetation.
- Keep rubbish, fishing line and plastic out of waterways.
- Give nesting swans and their cygnets plenty of space.
- Keep dogs under control around wetlands and native waterbirds.
- Avoid feeding wild swans bread or processed human food.
- Report injured or entangled native birds to an appropriate wildlife rescue service.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Black Swans are large, powerful birds and can be protective of their space, particularly when nesting or caring for cygnets.
Please allow Trowunna's swans to choose how close they come to you. Do not chase, corner, touch or attempt to handle them, and only offer food supplied or approved by Trowunna.