TopFamily
Anatidae
Genus
Cygnus
Species
atratus
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
Like many water birds, the species is susceptible to the effects of water pollution through the loss of food, or the build up of toxins. Nest sites are also threatened by flash floods. Introduced species such as the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus) can also harm or kill Black Swans.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
Water bodies in urban areas are less resilient against periods of droughts or extreme weather events, causing a build-up of toxins and dangerous algae levels, which may impact the health of this species. Free-roaming domestic pets are likely to disturb nest sites and hunt young swans.
Local/Urban Actions
Joining in with local Waterwatch activities can help improve the water quality of Canberra's waterways and therefore improve important habitat areas for this species. Black swans should not be hand fed, as they will loose their important foraging skills and become dependant on humans.
Common Names
Black Swan, Swan
Distinguishing Features
The Black Swan is a large waterbird with a wingspan of around 2 metres. In adults the plumage is completely black, apart from the white outer edge wing feathers. The bill is orange-red in colour, the eyes are white- red and the legs and feet are dark grey. The young start off with a soft, grey down, plumage darkening with maturity.
Survey Techniques
Visual identification and calls.
Species Call
A trumpet or bugle noise, most often heard when in flocks.
Similar Species
The Black Swan is distinctive and unique.
TopDistribution
This swam extends over most of Australia, excluding the Northern tip of QLD. It has also been introduced into New Zealand from Australia. Within the ACT, Black Swans are common to the waters of Lake Burley Griffin.
Country of Origin
Australia
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
The swans are abundant on the lakes within the ACT, probably increasing due to hand feeding becoming popular.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.
LSCCES Population
The abundance is thought to be increasing on Lake Burley Griffin, with sightings from the NMA, ANU and Civic West.
Associated vegetation community
The species is found in a wide range of waters both fresh and salt, flooded pastures, lagoons or mudflats. It prefers permanent shallow water bodies with good aquatic vegetation and edge plants.
Limiting Resources
The Black Swan's diet is based solely on the aquatic vegetation reached within one metre of the water's surface. It is thought that the species form lifelong pair bonds, making the loss of one partner limit the future breeding of the other.
Breeding
Breeding occurs from June-September, with many bowing and wing-raising ceremonies. Nests are massive and constructed amongst thick reeds. A clutch size of 4-6 large eggs of pale green colour is common, although some pairs do not produce any eggs. Incubation takes 35-45 days.
Behaviour
The species is highly nomadic and often travels at night. When flying in large groups, the species flies in a distinctive V-shaped flight formation, often calling to one another while in flight. It feeds in small groups, using its long neck to forage deeply underwater for vegetation.
Functional Group
Food Species
Duckweed (Valisnera), Algae (Chlorophyacea), Pondweed (Potamogeton) and Cumbungi (Typha) are the preferred pond plants consumed by the Black Swan. They will also eat human scraps and bread, however hand feeding is not an encouraged practise.
Predators
The young are most at risk from Black Rats (Rattus Rattus), Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae ) and Swamp Harriers (Circus aeruginosus). Although it is currently illegal to hunt Black Swans, there is pressure from some people to re-introduce legal hunting of the species.
Interesting Fact
The black swan is the only member of the Swan genus (Cygnus) in the world that is completely black. The rest are often white.
References - (reader suitability of references, P=Primary teachers, S=Secondary students, T=Tertiary students and researchers)
Books:Canberra Ornithologists Group. 2000. Birds of Canberra Gardens. Canberra Ornithologists Group & ACT Department of Urban Services. Canberra. Australia. [online]. Available at:http://garden.canberrabirds.org.au/ P, S, T
Lintermans, M. & Osborne, W. 2002. Wet & Wild: A Field Guide to the Freshwater Animals of the Southern Tablelands and High Country of the ACT and NSW. Environment ACT. Canberra, Australia. P, S, T
Morcomber, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing, Archerfield. P, S, T
Pringle, J. 1985. The Waterbirds of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney. S, T
Online Publications: Environment ACT. 2006. ACT Water Report 2005-2006, SECTION 2: WATER QUALITY CONDITION. ACT Government. [online]. Available at:http://www.environment.act.gov.au/airandwater/water/actwaterreports/water_quality_report_2005-2006 S, T
Nix, H. and Cunningham, R. 2006. Birds of the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment, Canberra ACT. Prepared for the Life in the Suburbs project using data from the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment Ecological Survey (LSCCES). Australian National University. Canberra. [online]. Available at: http://www.lifeinthesuburbs.com.au/category.php?id=65 S, T