Coscoroba Swan

Coscoroba coscoroba

These are the smallest of all of the swans, appearing at first more like a goose. The male weighs around 4.6kg and the female 3.8kg. Unlike other swans who have bare skin extending from the bill to the back of the eye, the Coscoroba Swan has feathers. Their smaller size means they can also take off without having to run to gain enough speed to lift off. The breeding range is the same as the Black-necked Swan, with the largest concentrations in Argentina and Chile. The name was given to the swan by South American Indians as its call sounds like 'cos-cor-ro-oa'.

Image courtesy of Kay Webb