More info: The first black swans were brought to the UK in 1791 and they became popular additions to private collections and zoos. However, some of the birds escaped into the wild and have since bred successfully. Their natural habitat is similar to that of the mute swan.
In 2005 there were fewer than 20 breeding pairs in the UK but there are now many more. There could be as many as 120 breeding pairs and the birds have been sighted at as many as 200 different locations across the country. The largest cluster of the birds is to be found in Dawlish Warren, Devon where they were introduced many years ago. They are the unofficial symbol of Dawlish and a major tourist attraction.
Black swans are mostly black-feathered birds, with white flight feathers which are visible when flying. The bill is bright red, with a pale bar and tip; and legs and feet are greyish-black. A Black swan has the longest neck, relative to its size of all swan species.
Black swans are native to Western and Eastern Australia and Tasmania and it is the official bird of Western Australia and is featured on the flag of this state and in its coat of arms
Additional information:
Black Swan - British Waterfowl Association - waterfowl.org.uk
Cygnus atratus - black swan - Animal Diversity Web - animaldiversity.org