Graeme Ross Cross Stitch Chart - Black Swan

The Black Swan, Cygnus atratus is Australia's only native Swan. It was first seen by Vlamingh in 1697 when he sailed into the estuary of what is now the Swan River. The Black Swan is the emblem of the State of Western Australia

This beautiful bird is frequently seen in pairs, but is also to be seen in flocks of thousands. It is found all over the continent where ever suitable habitats exists. They tend to move from one feeding ground to another at dusk, trumpeting to each other to keep in touch, and are particularly active on moonlit nights.

They feed in the shallows just offshore, eating aquatic vegetation, grass and small creatures. Their nest is a raised affair, constructed from whatever materials are at hand ... twigs, rushes, weeds, etc. It is usually rather bulky and lined with the bird's own down. Five or six greenish-white eggs are laid in autumn or winter.