Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
LCLeast Concern
- Family
- Ducks, Swans, and Geese (Anatidae)
- Order
- Anseriformes
Overview
The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird, a species of swan which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. Within Australia, the black swan is nomadic, with erratic migration patterns dependent on climatic conditions. It is a large bird with black plumage and a red bill. It is a monogamous breeder, with both partners sharing incubation and cygnet-rearing duties.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Australia including Tasmania but not tropical north; New Zealand, where formerly occurred but was eradicated, later was reintroduced and also self-colonized.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Black swan
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
