Black Swan
An introduction to a beautiful bird
Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are a species of swan, native to
Australia, but found in several other countries around the world
including the UK, Japan, China and the USA. They are large birds with
mostly black feathers, and a red bill. They tend to be smaller than the
more common white swans, known as mute swans (C. olor), but
have the same characteristic long neck and serene glide when moving
across water.
The IUCN rates the bird as Least Concern on its
Conservation Status.
View more images of Black Swans
Sightings of Black Swans outside of their native habitat are increasing.
If you're hoping to see a Black Swan in the UK, visit one of the
following top spots to catch a glimpse.
- Dawlish, Devon
- River Thames, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
- Coate Water, Swindon
- River Itchen, Hamshire
- River Tees, Stockton on Tees