Black-necked Swan, Guia de Fauna. RutaChile

Familia: Anatidae
Subfamilia: Anserinae
Genero: Cygnus
Nombre Cientifico: melancoryphus

NAME (S) LOCAL (S):
Swan

DISTRIBUTION IN CHILE:
from Coquimbo to Cape Horn. Accidental Atacama and Robinson Crusoe.

HABITAT:
Lakes, ponds, canals, river mouths.

DESCRIPTION:
Length: 122 cms.
Completely white, except for the head and neck are black. White line around the eye to the nape. Pico gray with big red wattles. Pink legs.

It is the largest waterfowl in the country. Easily recognizable by their size and colors. Both sexes are equal. It is preferably fed vegetable, but also eats aquatic insects and fish eggs. You need a large space to take off, but once in the air is capable of flying long distances. It has even Robinson Crusoe Island Juan Fernández Archipelago, located 670 kms. (415 mi.) From the mainland.

It nests in the dense grasses at the edge of the lakes or islands away from the riverbanks, in a bulky nest made of reeds and grasses. Place of 4-7 eggs dirty white and dimensions of 101 mm. x 66 mm. app. Although it is a peaceful bird during the breeding season the male becomes aggressive attacking whoever approach.

Countries where lives Cisne de Cuello Negro

ARGENTINA     BOLIVIA     BRASIL     CHILE     PARAGUAY     PERU     URUGUAY