Birds
Black-necked Swan
Cygnus melancoryphus · also called black-necked swans
Gliding across a wetland with a body as white as any Northern Hemisphere swan yet a head and neck of solid black, a black-necked swan stands as South America’s sole native swan species, unmistakable wherever it is found.
Overview
The black-necked swan, Cygnus melancoryphus, is a Least Concern waterfowl species native to wetland and coastal habitat across southern South America, from Chile and Argentina to parts of Brazil. Its status as South America’s only swan species, its striking black-and-white plumage, and its widespread presence across the continent’s wetlands make it one of the more visually distinctive and ecologically successful large waterfowl found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A swan that breaks the northern mould
Where swans across the Northern Hemisphere overwhelmingly wear all-white plumage, the black-necked swan instead pairs a brilliant white body with a head and neck of solid black, a striking departure from the pattern most people associate with swans worldwide.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable wetland habitat throughout southern South America.
Black-necked Swan: common questions
Is the black-necked swan the only swan species in South America?
Yes, this species is the only swan species native to South America, distinct from the several other swan species found across the Northern Hemisphere and Australasia.
How does the black-necked swan differ from other swans?
This species has a mostly white body contrasting sharply with a jet-black head and neck, a pattern unlike the all-white plumage typical of most Northern Hemisphere swans.
Does the black-necked swan lose the ability to fly at any point?
Yes, like other swans, this species sheds all its flight feathers at once during the annual moult, leaving it flightless and vulnerable for several weeks each year.
Where does the black-necked swan live?
This species breeds across a wide range of wetland habitats in southern South America, from coastal lagoons to inland lakes, spanning Chile, Argentina, and parts of Brazil.