Black swan. Credit: Marg Kibby

With its long, graceful neck, and large, ruffle-feathered body, the black swan is often a favourite. The adult black swan has broad white wing tips which are visible in flight while the juvenile is much greyer in colour. The bill is a deep orange-red, paler at the tip, with a narrow white band towards the end.

Where

The black swan is a nomadic bird and not common in Booderee but you will see it occasionally, nesting at Ryans Swamp. For a chance to observe these birds foraging in St. Gorges Basin, take a drive along Ellmoos Road.

Feeding

The black swan is vegetarian and feeds on algae and water weeds by plunging its long neck underwater, although it can also be seen up-ending to reach food in deeper water.

Breeding

Male swans (known as cobs) and female swans (known as pens) both help in raising the young. They build a large pile of water plant material then line it with down to nest in, laying anywhere between four and 10 eggs. Cygnets start out fluffy and grey, slowly darkening as they mature.

Sounds

The black swan utters a musical and far reaching bugle-like sound, calling either on the water or in flight, as well as a range of softer crooning notes. It can also whistle, especially when disturbed while breeding and nesting.