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Common Name
Black-necked Swan Scientific Name
Cygnus melanocoryphus Distribution
Southern half of South America Habitat
Favors lakes and marshes, preferably of large size Diet
Mainly aquatic vegetation with small amounts of fish spawn and aquatic insects Size
Length is 40 inches (100 cm) Gestation
33-36 days in captivity Longevity
3-6 years in the wild, 20 years in captivity Behavior
Most aquatic of all the swans, seldom leaving the water except in breeding season. Feeding takes place almost entirely in the water. Generally of shy disposition. Endangered Status
Not endangered Interesting Facts
Voice is more of a whistling sound compared to other swans. Clutch size varies from 3 to 7 long cream colored eggs. Chicks are carried on the backs of the adults. Suggested Readings
Soothill, Eric and Peter Whitehead. Wildfowl of the World. London: Peerage Books, 1978.Tarsnane, Simon. Waterfowl: A Guide to Maintenance and Propagation. Billings, MT: Tarsnane Productions, 1985.
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