Coscoroba Swan

Overview

The coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is one of South America's largest waterfowl, though it is the smallest species of swan. It is a year-round resident in parts of the continent and a migrant in others, with a population estimated between 6,700 and 17,000 mature individuals.

Identification

• Adults are completely white with black tips on the outer six primary feathers and bright pink legs and feet.
• Appears somewhat goose-like with a shorter neck and a duck-like bill, with plumage extending straight to the base of the bill.
• Emits an onomatopoeic "cos-cor-oo" as a threat call and a monosyllabic hooting note as a contact call.
• Males can weigh up to 5.4 kg, with wing lengths ranging from 44 to 49.8 cm, while females are slightly smaller.

Habitat

Found in central Argentina, along the Uruguay and southern Brazil coast, and extending south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. It inhabits well-vegetated lagoons, freshwater swamps, and human-made reservoirs, predominantly in lowlands but occasionally at higher elevations.

Diet

Feeds on aquatic and terrestrial plants, small aquatic invertebrates, and small fish. It forages mainly by swimming or wading in shallow water and grazing on land, rarely upending unlike other swans.

Did you know?

Unlike most swans, the coscoroba swan's longer legs allow it to walk easily on land and take off into flight much faster from both land and water.