Habitat: lakes and marshes of South America
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Discovery Island Trails
The black necked swan is both the smallest member of its genus as well as the largest waterfowl in South America. It is also the fastest, reaching flight speeds of 50 mph. It is common throughout the southern part of the continent including Patagonia and the Falkand Islands. In winter, it migrates north to the middle of the continent going only as far as southern Brazil.
The body plumage is basically white. The neck, of course, is black as are the head feathers. The bill is grayish. There is a large red knob on the bill, as well. The bird has a distinctive white stripe behind the eye. Both sexes are similar in appearance with the female being only slighty smaller. The cygnets are a light gray color. The pairs essentially mate for life and develop a territorial body of water.
The bird is relatively quiet, making few calls. Unlike many swans, the males will carry their young on their backs just as females do. Nests are built close to their territorial waters whether that's a lake, pond or swamp. It is basically a large mound of vegetation. The diet of the bird consists of aquatic vegetation, insects and fish spawn. They are excellent swimmers, the fastest of all swans. However, this is accomplished by having legs set farther back on their bodies, which unfortunately means they can barely walk on dry land.
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