One of Australia’s most iconic and elegant birds — a graceful creature with velvety black feathers, a bright red beak, and a long, curved neck that moves like liquid poetry. Unlike the more familiar white swans found in Europe and North America, the black swan flips the script with its dark beauty, looking like something out of a fairytale. They’re most often seen gliding calmly across lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout Australia, often in pairs or flocks, moving so smoothly they seem to float on air.

But don’t let their quiet elegance fool you — black swans are tough, adaptable birds. They’re strong fliers (despite their large size), and can even travel hundreds of kilometers between wetlands during dry spells. They’re also one of the few swan species that can breed year-round if the conditions are right. Their huge nests are built from reeds and grasses right near the water’s edge, and both parents take turns guarding the eggs and raising the fluffy grey cygnets — a true team effort in parenting!

One of the coolest things about black swans is how deeply they bond. They form monogamous pairs, often for life, and perform beautiful, synchronized courtship displays — dipping their heads, flapping wings, and spinning in perfect harmony. These displays aren’t just for show; they help strengthen the pair’s connection. And while they’re generally peaceful, swans can get pretty feisty if you get too close to their nest or family — flapping those giant wings and hissing loudly to scare off intruders.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

2018

Breeding

Indonesia

2018

Non-Breeding

New Zealand

2018

Breeding

Spain

2018

Introduced