Black Swans

Black Swan

True wildlife | Black Swans | Black Swans are large waterbirds that measure between 1.1 and 1.4 m (3.5 - 4.5 ft) in length. They have a wingspan between 1.6 and 2 m (5.2 - 6.5 ft) and they weigh between 6 and 9 kgs (13 - 20 lbs).
Their feathers are mainly black in colour but they have a line of white flight feathers on the edges of their wings. These feathers are sometimes on show when they are at rest but they are conspicuous in flight. Their bill is bright red with a pale bar and tip, and their legs and feet are grey/black in colour. They moult once a year after breeding and during this time they cannot fly.
Their neck is long and "S" shaped and while swimming they either hold their neck arched or straight and they often carry their wings raised in an aggressive display.
In flight a group of swans will either fly in a line or in a "V" shape. Each individual will fly strongly making a whistling sound with their wings and a baying, bugling or trumpeting calling sound. As well as a bugling call, Black Swans can also make whistling sounds and softer more crooning notes.
Male Black Swans are slightly larger than females and they have a longer, straighter bill.
Relative to their size, Black Swans have the longest neck of all swan species.
When they are on the ground a group of swans are known as a bank and when in flight they are known as a wedge.
A male swan is known as a cob, a female swan a pen and a young swan is known as a cygnet.
Black Swans are the official birds of western Australia and they are featured on the flag and in the coat of arms. The global population of Black Swans is estimated to be in the region of 500,000 individuals.

Blck Swan in a water

A couple of Black Swans

Black Swan with it's Shadow

Black Swan having red beak