Black Swan
Cygnus atratus (Molina, 1782)
AS
BLASW
20800
Family: Anseriformes > Anatidae
Striking large black waterbird that occasionally escapes from captivity and which now breeds regularly in the wild.
This popular ornamental species, introduced from Australia, is occasionally encountered in the wild, mostly as single individuals but sometimes in small groups. The species favours rivers and freshwater lakes.
Males are slightly larger than females but otherwise the sexes are similar, with the predominantly black plumage contrastingly strongly with a striking red bill and white flight feathers. The Rare Breeding Birds Panel regularly receives double-figure records of breeding attempts from across the UK, and there is an established breeding population in east Norfolk, centred on the Broads. The species is native to Australia.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Black Swan
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Black Swan identification is usually straightforward.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to example recordings of the main vocalisations of Black Swan, provided by xeno-canto contributors.
Call
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | E |
POPULATION CHANGE
| UK winter population |
+78% increase (1995/96 to 2020/21) |
DISTRIBUTION
Black Swans occur widely, as introductions or escapes, in a variety of habitats including ornamental ponds, lakes and marshes. The winter distribution map shows Black Swans to be widely distributed in the southern half of Britain. Breeding evidence was recorded in 111 10-km squares and these were mainly in southern and central England, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands; two records came from Ireland. In addition, Black Swans were recorded as non-breeding in a further 153 10-km squares.
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in breeding season | 110 |
| % occupied in breeding season | 3.6 |
| No. occupied in winter | 285 |
| % occupied in winter | 9.4 |
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
Assessing change in range is difficult due to the likely under-reporting of Black Swans in previous atlases.
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution Change 1968–72 to 2008–11.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution Change 1981–84 to 2007–11
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +796.7% |
SEASONALITY
Black Swan is a naturalised non-native and can be encountered throughout the year.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Black Swan, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
BIOMETRICS
Sample sizes are too small to report Biometrics for this species.
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
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Field Codes
|
2-letter: AS | 5-letter code: BLASW | Euring: 20800 |
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Links to more information from ConservationEvidence.com
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