The only swan of Iberá and one of the two swans of South America. The body plumage is entirely white, while the neck and head are black, creating an unmistakable contrast. At the base of the bill it has a visible red caruncle. The bill is grayish with a dark tip. The eyes are brown. It measures 102 to 124 cm with a wingspan of up to 1.7 meters. The cygnets are gray and the adults carry them on their backs while swimming, one of the most photogenic behaviors in Argentine nature.
Behaviour
Social and relatively tame once it grows used to human presence. It swims in family groups or in large flocks. It eats submerged aquatic plants that it reaches with its long neck. During the breeding season it can be aggressive in defending the nest. It migrates partially in winter.
How and when to see it
Scarce in Iberá: the open records are isolated (Boquerón, in Iberá Park, in January 2021; Esquina and the south of the province in 2018) and the SIB does not list it for the park. It is not a bird to count on during a visit; chicks carried on the back are seen in spring where it breeds, further south.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where black-necked swan has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where black-necked swan lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Reserva Estero Camba Trapo
Private nature reserve of Ecoposada del Estero, on the Camba Trapo road. One of the…★ 5.0 - Cabalgata Cintia
Horseback rides around Carlos Pellegrini.★ 5.0 - Iberá Spirit
Travel agency specializing in the Esteros del Iberá for 10 years. Packages, excursions…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameBlack-necked Swan
- Scientific nameCygnus melancoryphus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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