Environmental Research Unit, PO Box 434, Stanley, Falkland Islands

Black-necked Swan

The Black-necked Swan breeds on large freshwater ponds with well established aquatic vegetation which forms the bulk of its diet. Large nests are constructed from vegetation close to the water's edge during August and September, with 4 to 7 eggs being laid. Eggs hatch in late October or early November, with chicks fledging by February. Black-necked Swans feed on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates which they collect below the surface using their long necks. They remain around the Falklands throughout the year, although it has often been suspected that birds occasionally fly to and from the South American continent. Sexes are similar in appearance. Although the Falkland Islands have many ponds, those offering suitable breeding habitat for swans are not sufficiently common to support a large population, and the Falklands population has probably always been small.