Latin Etymology: Cygnus ("swan") atratus ("black")
Escapee Adult Black Swan (subspecies C. a. atratus) at Holme Pierrepont, Nottinghamshire - January 2018
Featured Subspecies: Cygnus atratus atratus
Weight: 3.7-9kg / Length: 110-142cm / Wingspan: 1.6-2cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
While a number of duck species have escaped captivity and gone feral, swans haven't had the same success. In part this is because they tend to be less popular in collections to begin with. The Black Swan is a native of Australia and the closest thing to an established feral swan species we have - there are a few small established populations dotted around the country, plus other sole individuals like this. Interestingly, a black swan existed in European folklore before before Australia was discovered - a symbol for extreme rarity in contrast to the white swans familiar in Europe.
Related Species:
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Cygnus
Subspecies: C. a. atratus, C. a. sumnerensis (extinct)
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - A Rare Feral Breeding Resident and Regular Escapee
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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