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.
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Black-necked
Swan
Cygnus melancoryphus
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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
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The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham
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