Australian Heraldry - Australian Black Swan Cygnus atratus is found on the flag of Western Aiustralia.
Black Swan - Cygnus atratus The Black Swan is very Australian in that the contrast to the white swan of the northern hemisphere indicates its 'Australianess'. Western Aiustralia have adopted the Black Swan where it is the states emblem and is found on the state flag. Adults Balck Swans are mostly black, with the exception of broad white wing tips, which are visible in flight. The bill is a deep orange-red, paler at the tip, with a distinct narrow white band towards the end. Size A mature Black Swan measures between 110 and 142 cm (43-56 in) in length and weighs kg ( lbs). Its wing span is between and 2 metres ( ft). The Black Swan females, pens, are smaller than the males, cob. Distribution and Habitat The Black Swan is common in the wetlands of south western and eastern Australia and adjacent coastal islands. The Black Swan’s preferred habitat extends across fresh, brackish and salt water lakes, swamps and rivers with underwater and emergent vegetation for food and nesting materials. Permanent wetlands are preferred, including ornamental lakes, but black swans can also be found in flooded pastures and tidal mudflats, and occasionally on the open sea near islands or the shore. Black Swans were once thought to be sedentary, but the species is now known to be highly nomadic. There is no set migratory pattern, but rather opportunistic responses to either rainfall or drought. In high rainfall years, emigration occurs from the south west and south east into the interior, with a reverse immigration to these heartlands in drier years. When rain does fall in the arid central regions, black swans will migrate to these areas to nest and raise their young. However, should dry conditions return before the young have been raised, the adult birds will abandon the nests and their eggs or cygnets and return to wetter areas.
Size: 5500px × 3682px
Location: South East Queensland Australia
Photo credit: © Adrian Page / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: atratus, australia, beak, bird, black, cygnus, fauna, feahters, lilypads, orange, queensland, red, reflection, se, swan, swimming, water, white
