What kind of bird is a black swan? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This bird can only be seen in Australia, so it is said that many people around the world do not know about it. However, despite being such an endemic species, it has been found that its population is surprisingly stable.
What is a black swan? About basic status
The white swan is a bird classified in the Anseriformes order, Anseriformes family, and the genus Swan. The scientific name is Cygnus atratus, and the kanji is black swan. The total length is 110cm to 140cm, the weight is 5kg to 6kg, and the wingspan is 2m. The list of information is as follows. It is an unknown bird in Japan, and its distinctive feature is its black appearance, which is the opposite of a swan. It’s called Black Swan.
| Japanese（和名） | コクチョウ |
| English（英名） | Black Swan |
| scientific name(学名) | Cygnus atratus |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Anseriformes、Anatidae、Cygnus 鳥綱、カモ目、カモ科、ハクチョウ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（全長） | 110-140cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5-6kg |
About classification
There are two subspecies of black swans.
C. a. atratus
This subspecies is distributed throughout Australia.
C. a. sumnerensis
This subspecies was previously distributed in New Zealand. However, it became extinct due to Maori hunting.
About habitat
The black swan is distributed only in Australia.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The black swan has a black body and a red beak. The iris is pink or reddish. The flight feathers are white. It is a wandering bird that lives in areas such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and moves depending on the seasons and changes in the environment. They form flocks and do not migrate at all. It is Australia’s only endemic swan genus.
What is the ecology like?
Black swans are herbivorous and feed mainly on aquatic plants. The breeding season takes place from April to September. Pairs remain monogamous for life. White swans build nests with a diameter of about 1.5 m made of piled grass and lay their eggs. Usually, they lay 4-6 eggs and take care of the young birds until they are ready to fly. The lifespan is 30 to 40 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
The white swan has no natural enemies. Australia doesn’t have many natural enemies.
Is the black swan an endangered species?
The black swan is not an endangered species. However, it has become extinct in New Zealand and is now protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 in New South Wales, Australia. As a side note, the black swan was featured on postage stamps in Western Australia from 1854 to 1902.
Can black swans be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, black swans are protected under the Wildlife Act, so it is difficult to keep them as pets. Check out the posts posted at the park on our online page.
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