Story: Wetland birds

Black swan with cygnets

Young cygnets climb onto a parent’s back to warm up after swimming to look for food. Black swans are very protective of their young – but a clutch of six may dwindle to one or two by the time the cygnets fledge at three to four months old.

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Wetland birds - Black swans', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/14626/black-swan-with-cygnets (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015