BIRD #26 OF 45

Black Swan

The Black Swan is one of Australia’s most iconic waterbirds. With its elegant black plumage and graceful movements, it’s a familiar sight on lakes, rivers and wetlands across much of the country.

You’ll often see them gliding across calm water or grazing on aquatic plants along the shoreline.

  • HABITAT

    Wetlands, lakes, rivers, estuaries

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    All states and territories

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    🦢 Large black waterbird with a long, curved neck
    🔴 Bright red bill with a pale tip
    ⚪ White flight feathers visible when wings are spread
    🌊 Often seen swimming in pairs or family groups

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Black Swans are among the few swan species where both parents share the job of incubating the eggs and raising their cygnets, working together throughout the breeding season.