Thursday, November 11, 2010

A black swan (Cygnus atratus) and cygnet

Public Domain Photo: Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) and cygnet, photo by D.M. Vernon, taken in 2006

Black Swans are large water birds of the subgenus of Cygnus, mostly found in Australia, and later introduced in New Zealand, and some other countries. They are primarily black-feathered birds, with white flight feathers. The bill is normally bright red and legs and feet are grayish-black. Males are slightly larger than females, and cygnets (immature birds) are grayish-brown with pale-edged feathers. A fully grown black swan measures 110 cm to 142 cm (43-56 in) in length and weighs 4 to 9 kg (8 to -20 lbs) approximately with wing span of 1.6 to 2 meters.

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