Black Swans, Cygnus atratus, are native to much of Australia, particularly the south-east and south-western Australia. They are particularly associated with Western Australia, where they appear on the State Flag and Coat of Arms as well as being the State Bird.
Culturally, they can be a symbol of ‘Australian-ness’, as they contrast totally with the white swan species of the northern hemisphere.
However, they are also found in collections throughout the world., and in some countries, escapees have formed feral, populations.
Black Swans generally mate for life, like most swans, but unusually for swans, about one in seven Black Swan cygnets are raised by a male who is not their biological father. One study suggests that the proportion may be even higher.
In addition, around 25% of Black Swan pairings are homosexual, mostly male, with the pair either chasing off a pair of nest owners, or setting up a nest with a female, but chasing her off once the eggs have been laid. A 1981 study showed that male pairs successfully raised 80% of the young they were rearing, a much higher figure than achieved by heterosexual pairs.
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