Description: Mostly black bird with long neck and webbed feet; 43-55 inches long

Habitat: Large salt, brackish or fresh waterways and permanent wetlands

Diet: Aquatic plants, algae, pondweeds

Reproduction: Lays 5-6 eggs

Did you know...

Black Swans are common throughout most of Australia and are easily distinguished from other swans because they are the only all black species. The Black Swan is the official bird of Western Australia and can be found on Australia's coat of arms. On Canberra's emblem, a Black Swan represents Australia's aboriginal people while a white swan represents Australians of European decent.

Black swans are well adapted for feeding on underwater plants. Their long neck allows them to reach far below the surface of the water, and their rough tongue enables them to grasp and tear slippery plant matter. They also have a jagged-edged bill that helps to filter out food particles from the water.