Black Swan, Swimming, Victoria, Australia

(Click image to enlarge)

The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large and iconic Australian waterbird. They are native only to Australia and are found throughout the southern half of the continent. When mature, black swans measure between 110 and 142 centimetres (43 and 56 in) in length and weigh 3.7–9 kilograms (8.2–19.8 pounds). Their wing span is between 1.6 and 2 metres (5.2 and 6.6 feet).

Black swans have the longest neck relative to their body size of any swan. They are nomadic within Australia, with erratic migration patterns that depend on climatic conditions. It is a monogamous breeder, with both partners sharing incubation and cygnet-rearing duties.