| Photo Information |
Copyright: Nicki Mora (greychick)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 55 W: 0 N: 103]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (611) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2008-07-18 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Exposure: f/7.1, 1/400 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-07-17 23:22 |
| Viewed: 352 |
| Points: 0 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Isn't he or she cute. A tiny black swan, swimming out on its own.
Some info
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cygnus_atratus.html
Black swans are monogamous and often have the same mate for life. They are territorial and stay in solitary pairs when mating but are known to occasionally mate in colonies. The threatening behavior of black swans is similar to mute swans; they both flap and wave their wings with two or three strokes followed by a call. However, the wings of black swans make a louder sound than mute swans. Also the standing stance is different; black swans hold their necks erect with a downward point of the bill and ruffled feathers. (Delacour, 1954; Forshaw, 1998; Johnsgard, 1965)
One particularly interesting thing about the courting behavior of black swans is the "Triumph Ceremony". It is used to strengthen pair-bonds between mates, between parents and cygnets (baby swans), and for threatening territorial displays. The male swan approaches the female swan with wings and chin lifted, calling repeatedly. Then the female returns the same call. They then dip their heads alternating with erect postures. After this the birds call with their necks outstretched and bills pointed upward; then they hold their necks at a forty five degree angle and point their bills downward and at a right angle, they proceed to swim in a circle. These ceremonies are primarily initated by the male and tend to increase in frequency when there are more swans around. (Johnsgard, 1965; Kraaijeveld and Mulder, 2002)
Mating systems:
monogamous .
The breeding season is from February through September. Usually the female (occasionally the male) makes a nest of sticks, dead leaves and debris into a floating mound on top of the water. Each female may lay between 5 to 6 eggs, the eggs are laid one day apart. There is a 35 to 48 day incubation period which begins when all the eggs have been laid. Males are known to help with incubation. Chicks are precocial but are brooded on the nest for 2 to 3 weeks after hatching. They fledge from 150 to 170 days after hatching. They remain in family groups for about 9 months and are able to fly at around 6 months old. The chicks are sexually mature in 18 to 36 months. Young black swans join juvenile flocks for one to two years before they begin breeding. (del Hoyo, Elliott, and Sargatal, 1992; Forshaw, 1998; The Chaffee Zoo, Date Unknown; Wilmore, 1974) |
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