The Black Swan

The Black Swan is common in the wetlands of south western and eastern Australia. The Black Swan is also very popular as an ornamental waterbird in western Europe, especially Britain, escapes are commonly reported and are now breeding at dozens of sites across the country.

The Black Swans in these photographs are Canadian residents.

A mature Black Swan measures between 110 and 142 centimetres (43 and 56 in) in length and weighs 4–9 kilograms (8–20 lb). Its wing span is between 1.6 and 2 metres (5.2 and 6.6 ft)
Photo by J.Borno

Like other swans, the Black Swan is largely monogamous, pairing for life (about 6% divorce rate). Recent studies have shown that around a third of all broods exhibit extra-pair paternity.
Photo by J.Borno

An estimated one-quarter of all pairings are homosexual, mostly between males. They steal nests, or form temporary threesomes with females to obtain eggs, driving away the female after she lays the eggs.
Photo by J.Borno