Black Swan

Cygnus atratus is a large black waterbird widely established in New Zealand. It differs from mute swan through its black plumage, red bill and white flight feathers. Adults are black with a red bill and bright white panels visible in flight. The long neck is often held in a graceful curve.

It is common on large shallow lakes, lagoons and estuaries across both main islands. Numbers concentrate where submerged aquatic plants are abundant. It grazes aquatic vegetation, often by upending in shallow water. Birds gather in large flocks outside the breeding season.

The New Zealand classification is Not Threatened. Lake Ellesmere Te Waihora and Lake Rotorua regularly hold conspicuous flocks.