| Black-necked Swan | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Anseriformes |
| Family: | Anatidae |
| Genus: | Cygnus |
| Species: | Cygnus melancoryphus |
The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) is a large species of swan native to South America, characterized by its black neck and head.
Appearance[]
It is an unmistakable swan with a black neck, hence the name. A red knob or carbuncle at the base of the upper mandible is enlarged in males at breeding season. It has short wings, but still is a fast flyer.
Behavior[]
Feeding[]
It eats aquatic vegetation almost exclusively, which it gathers from below the surface of the water. Fish eggs and insects may also be eaten, and they may also come onto the land and graze upon terrestrial plants.
Breeding and Nesting[]
Black-necked Swans are monogamous and mate for life. Breeding season begins in July and extends to September and November. A nest is built in thick reed beds around the edges of bodies of water. The Black-necked Swan brings material to the site, such as rushes (vegetation) and aquatic plants, in order to build the large structure that partially floats. The male is quite protective of his pen and her eggs and guards the nest for long periods of time. The monogamous behavior affects the care of cygnets such that the young have been known to ride on their parent's back. They can breed as many as three times during the breeding season. Usually 4 to 8 eggs are laid, only the female incubates, and incubation is around 34 to 37 days
Distribution and Habitat[]
Black-necked Swans can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Falkland Islands, and Uruguay. It inhabits swamps, freshwater marshes, brackish lagoons and shallow lakes.