Coscoroba Swan

Coscoroba coscoroba

The Coscoroba Swan is a beautiful bird with white feathers and a unique fluffy appearance. They are known for their graceful swimming and can often be seen gliding on lakes and rivers.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Coscoroba Swan is a medium-sized, all-white swan, noticeably smaller than other swan species. It has a distinctive bright red bill and pinkish-red legs, which contrast with its pure white plumage. Black primary feathers are visible only when the bird is in flight, creating a striking wingtip pattern.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusCoscoroba

Coscoroba Swan

Interesting facts

Its scientific name, Coscoroba coscoroba, is a direct imitation of its own unique call!

These swans sometimes gather in huge flocks of thousands during the non-breeding season!

They build large, floating nests from reeds right on the water's edge in wetlands.

Unlike other swans, the Coscoroba Swan is the only living species in its entire genus.

Special abilities

Coscoroba Swans can swiftly paddle through water because of their strong webbed feet, helping them escape predators and find food.

Coscoroba Swans can dive briefly underwater because of their dense bodies, allowing them to reach submerged aquatic plants.

Coscoroba Swans can produce a distinctive 'cos-cor-o-ba' call because of unique vocal cords, helping them identify each other.

Measurements & details

Length: 87-115 cm
Wingspan: 135-160 cm
Weight: 3.4-6.4 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 4-7
Incubation: 35-38 days
Migration Distance: 1000 km

Diet & Feeding

These swans are herbivores, mostly grazing on a variety of aquatic plants and some small invertebrates.

Primary Foods

aquatic plant leaves
aquatic plant stems
roots
seeds
small insects
molluscs

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Andean Fox

Lycalopex culpaeus

Andean foxes may prey on Coscoroba swan eggs and young cygnets.

eats

Leafy Pondweed

Potamogeton nodosus

The swans primarily graze on the leaves and stems of pondweeds.

depends on

California Bulrush

Schoenoplectus californicus

They use bulrush stalks and leaves to construct their large floating nests.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Webbed Feet

Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Herbivorous

This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.