Falklands.net website of the Falkland Islands Environmental Protection Unit We are a regional member of the International Penguin Conservation Work Group - Visit their website for world wide penguin information
our work you can help flora and fauna picture galleries in the media links newsletters contact us Search
 

Black-necked Swan
Cygnus melancoryphus

Breeding Range: Falkland Islands, Chile and Argentina
Length: 120cm.
Falklands Population: ~200 breeding pairs
World Population: unknown

The Black-necked Swan breeds on large freshwater ponds with well established aquatic vegetation which forms the bulk of its diet.

Large nests are constructed from vegetation close to the water's edge during August and September, with 4 to 7 eggs being laid. Eggs hatch in late October or early November, with chicks fledging by February.

Black-necked Swans feed on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates which they collect below the surface using their long necks.

They remain around the Falklands throughout the year, although it has often been suspected that birds occasionally fly to and from the South American continent.

Sexes are similar in appearance.

Although the Falkland Islands have many ponds, those offering suitable breeding habitat for swans are not sufficiently common to support a large population, and the Falklands population has probably always been small.

 

Black Necked Swan
Black-necked Swan
Cygnus melancoryphus

Adopt a penguin
 
penguin hatchling photograph
 

Adopt and name your penguin, and we will send you reports and photos of your penguin's progress. We will even send you a map to show you exactly where your penguin lives, in case you ever want to visit. (Visitors are welcome).

Learn More

 

buy our book

click here to read more about our book penguins of the falkland islands and south america by doctor mike bingham

The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham - now available online here or from bookshops world-wide, ISBN: 1420813757

The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham

 

make a donation
 
We are always pleased to receive donations in support of our work. If you would like to make a donation, click here.
 
 
copyright 2002 Environmental Research Unit and Doctor Mike Bingham Design by www.ethicaldesign.co.uk