Black Swan
Scientific name: Cygnus atratus
Habitat: lakes and rivers
Diet: aquatic vegetation, roots
Life span: 10 years
Young: 5-6 eggs/clutch
Size: up to 9 kg (20 lbs)
Of the 7 species of swans in the world, only 2 are black. Even black swans still have white flight feathers that are completely hidden unless the bird is flying. Black swans are hatched with grey down, and get their beautiful black feathers when they are 2 years old.
Swans have over 20 vertebrae making their necks very flexible. In comparison, giraffes have 7 vertebrae.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.
Black swan on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
