Black Swan: Australia's Iconic Waterbird, A Symbol of Rarity and Elegance

• The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is native to Australia, known for its glossy black feathers, long curved neck, bright red bill, and dark red eyes.
• It is one of the largest waterbirds with the longest neck among swans, often seen gliding gracefully in large colonies or flying in wedge formations.
• Black swans inhabit wetlands across Australia, favoring rivers, lakes, and flooded plains, and are known for nomadic movements influenced by climate conditions.
• Their diet is entirely plant-based, consisting of aquatic vegetation, algae, and grasses, indicating healthy wetland ecosystems.
• Culturally, the Black Swan symbolizes rarity and surprise, challenging European scientific assumptions, and represents Australian identity in art and emblems.

Why It Matters: The Black Swan is a distinctive Australian waterbird, celebrated for its unique appearance, ecological role, and cultural significance.