Distribution: Across Australia except for Central Australia
Habitat: Cool temperate to tropical wetlands.
Description: Swans are the largest of the waterfowls. They have long, slender necks which are longer than their bodies. They are black except for white wing quills. The bill is broad and bright red. Baby swans, or cygnets, are grey.
Diet: Black Swans are herbivores and eat mostly water plants.
In the wild: Black Swans mate for life and reunite every year to breed. Both parents take care of raising the cygnets, which stay with their parents for some time. When they are not breeding, they form large flocks.
Threats: The destruction of wetlands is a threat to these birds. Cygnets and swans may also be killed when attempting to cross roads.
At Perth Zoo: The Australian Wetlands exhibit is home to our Black Swans.
Did you know? Black Swans are nomadic and often travel at night. They are also the Western Australian bird emblem.