Birds
Coscoroba Swan
Coscoroba coscoroba · also called coscoroba
Calling out its own name across a southern South American wetland, a coscoroba swan combines a goose-like build with a bright red bill, standing as the sole member of a genus found nowhere else among the world’s swans.
Overview
The coscoroba swan, Coscoroba coscoroba, is a Least Concern waterfowl species native to wetland habitat across southern South America, including Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands. Its unique taxonomic position as the only member of its genus, its smaller, more goose-like build, and its striking red bill make it one of the more distinctive swan-like waterfowl found anywhere in the world.
A swan that stands apart from all others
Though commonly grouped with true swans, the coscoroba swan belongs to a lineage entirely its own, a smaller, shorter-necked bird with a bright red bill that hints at just how different it really is from the black-billed swans it superficially resembles.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable wetland habitat throughout southern South America.
Coscoroba Swan: common questions
Is the coscoroba swan closely related to true swans?
Not exactly, this species is the only living member of its own genus, distinct from true swans despite sharing a broadly similar body plan and wetland lifestyle.
How does the coscoroba swan differ from true swans?
This species is smaller and more goose-like, with a shorter neck than true swans, along with a distinctive bright red bill and pink legs rather than the typical black bill of most swans.
Why is it called the coscoroba swan?
This species is named for its distinctive, far-carrying call, which sounds similar to the word coscoroba repeated during flight and display.
Does the coscoroba swan become flightless at any point?
Yes, like true swans, this species sheds its flight feathers during the annual moult, leaving it flightless and vulnerable for a period each year.