Black-necked Swan

Description:

Seen at the San Diego Zoo. The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) is the largest waterfowl native to South America. Males are 115 to 140 cm (45 to 55 in) and weigh 4.5-6.7 kg (10-14.8 lbs); females are 100 to 124 cm (39 to 49 in) and weigh 3.5-4.4 kg (7.7–9.7 lbs).[1] The wingspan ranges from 135 to 177 cm (53 to 70 in).[2] The body plumage is white with a black neck, head and greyish bill. It has a red knob near the base of the bill and white stripe behind eye. The sexes are similar, with the female slightly smaller. The cygnet has a light grey plumage with black bill and feet.

Habitat:

The smallest member in its genus, it is found in freshwater marshes, lagoon and lake shores in southern South America. The Black-necked Swan breeds in Chilean Southern Zone, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and on the Falkland Islands. In the austral winter, this species migrates northwards to Paraguay and southern Brazil.[citation needed] The wetlands created by the Great Chilean Earthquake like Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary in Cruces River have become important population centers for the Black-necked Swan.

Notes:

These are much smaller than mute swans.