Black Swan
Cygnus Atratus
This single Black Swan was first spotted on Lake Norman on 01-21-05 but not photographed. It was spotted again and photographed on 01-26-05. Black Swans are not native to this area or North America. They are native to Australia and Tasmania. They have also been introduced to New Zealand and Sweden.
The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is an Australian waterbird and the official state bird of Western Australia. This bird is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae.
Black swans are found in all states of Australia. Prior to the arrival of the Māori a sub-species, the New Zealand Swan used to live in New Zealand. This subspecies was hunted to extinction; more recently through introductions by Europeans, they have established themselves in New Zealand again. The adult bird weighs up to 20 lb (9 kg). Unlike many other waterbirds, black swans are not migratory; they spend their entire lives in the area where they were hatched.
Black Swans nest on large mounds that they build in the middle of a shallow lake. They reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Male and female swans share the care of the nest, and once the cygnets are fledged, it is not uncommon to see whole families looking for food. They are Protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.
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