Coscoroba Swan - Profile | Traits | Threats | Call | Diet

The coscoroba swan, scientific name Coscoroba coscoroba is a species of waterfowl endemic to southern South America. It is the smallest of the birds known as “swans”, however nonetheless a big species of waterfowl.

Coscoroba Swan Profile

It belongs to the subfamily Anserinae within the family of geese, swans, and geese, Anatidae. It is positioned within the monotypic genus Coscoroba.

The coscoroba swan is historically thought about as an early branch from the frequent ancestor resulting in true geese and swans, and up-to-date genetic research has related a phylogenetic relationship between this species and the Cape Barren goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) as sister teams.

Distribution and habitat

The Coscoroba Swan breeds in South America from southern Chile and central Argentina south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.

In winter it flies north to central Chile, northern Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, and the southeast tip of Brazil. Its habitat is well-vegetated swamps and lagoons.

Its population is estimated at 10,000–25,000 birds. It additionally has an ancient path to the Pantanal of Brazil and has been seen in giant flocks within the Nhecolandia and Rio Negro areas.

Coscoroba swans have escaped or been intentionally launched into Florida, the USA, however, there isn’t any proof that the population is breeding and should solely persist because of persevering with releases or escapes.

Wetland areas together with shallow lagoons, freshwater marshes, and lakes with considerable vegetation. Permanent freshwater lakes > 8 ha in size are thought-about vital for C. coscoroba each throughout and outdoors of the breeding season.

Does not upend as typically as different swans, as a result of the nice serrations lining the broadbill are tailored for straining particles from the water floor.

Therefore feeds primarily on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates while dabbling or wading in shallow waters, and likewise comes ashore to graze on adjoining pasture.

Coscoroba Swan Description

Male coscoroba swans weigh 3.8–5.4 kg (8.4–11.9 lb) and females weigh 3.2–4.5 kg (7.1–9.9 lb). The size is from 87.5 to 115 cm (34.4 to 45.3 in) and the wingspan is 155 to 160 cm (61 to 63 in).

They have white plumage aside from black tricks to the outer six main feathers, though this black is usually barely seen on the closed wing. In-flight, the black wing suggestions are conspicuous.

The bird has a red beak, legs, and feet. They look considerably more like geese than swans. The feminine appears nearly identical to the male. The cygnet is a patchy color, with brown and grey hues.

The coscoroba swan lacks the patch of naked skin between the eyes and beak typical of swans. They appear to be a really small swan in body and appear to be a goose within the head.

Eggs measure 89 X 61 mm, with averages of 82 to 94 53 to 67 mm, with an average weight of 170 grams and range from 129 to 203 grams.

Coscoroba Swan Appearance

The smallest of all swans (solely 900-1150mm in size, in comparison with ~1800mm for Trumpeter Swans), the connection between the Coscoroba Swan and different swan species has been the subject of debate; it’s classed in a separate genera (Coscoroba) somewhat than as Cygnus, and molecular analysis has positioned it as a sister species to the Cape Barren Goose.

Nonetheless, its general look, notably the long neck and white plumage, leads to it nonetheless being grouped with the swans, albeit in contrast to the opposite white swans it has black tricks to the primaries.

The adult Coscoroba Swan’s quick neck with a rounded head-shape, that includes feathers that reach effectively past the eyes to cover the face, is just like whistling duck head and neck form and facial plumage.

The swans have quick broad wings in comparison with northern migratory swans, and a brief rounded tail (Delacour 1954–64). Their brilliant red bill, spatulate and upturned in form and without a basal knob, is diagnostic.

The cygnets are primarily grey-white however have darkish patterning on the crown, back, and wings, in contrast to all different swan species. The juvenile gray bill turns red by 5 months, though stays duller than in adult birds.

White adult plumage is developed by 8 months, aside from some flecks of gray feathers on the top of the top. Sexual maturity is reached at around 3 years.

Coscoroba Swan Behavior

The coscoroba swan feeds on varied plant matter, small aquatic bugs, and small fish. The feminine incubates the eggs, whereas the male stands guard and aggressively helps to guard the fledglings in opposition to predators after hatching. Coscoroba swans live to an age of roughly twenty years.

Diet

Plant matter, small aquatic invertebrates, and small fish

The coscoroba swan is the smallest species of swan. Loud, trumpet-like sounds are produced by particular buildings of their throat.

Coscoroba swans feed by dabbling or grazing on the floor of the water for crops and algae. Flock size varies from a couple of dozen to a hundred or more, relying on the season and site.

Coscoroba Swan Voice

Unlike different swan species, notes are noticeably higher in males than in females. The idiosyncratic cos-cor-oo call, which gave the bird its name, is often given when threatening intruders.

Single hooting notes are used between paired birds, typically with the male-sounding first. Immatures give loud chirping calls and trills approached by parents and provide loud aggressive chirping calls when approached by different aggressive swans.

Molt

The molt patterns of untamed Coscorobas are unknown however, primarily based on captive people, they’re assumed to have one moult of body and wing feathers yearly.

Captive adults within the northern hemisphere have been noticed molting flight feathers in late July-August, whereas in south Brazil that is identified to occur in August-November, and additional south in southern Chile molting has been reported in final April.

Coscoroba Swan Threats

Little proof of in-depth historic exploitation, and apparently not extremely wanted by hunters. The swans’ patchy distribution nonetheless makes it susceptible to habitat loss and native extinctions, notably for the reason that biology’s underlying distribution is poorly understood.

The penalties for the species of drought circumstances throughout a number of years within the past 20 years are unclear. Although the species not regarded as in decline, extensive internationally-coordinated counts are required to evaluate distribution and population ranges, and to find out elements influencing site choice.

Status

Although its population just isn’t considerable, the Coscoroba swan just isn’t in a state of drastic decline. The most severe risk to its continued survival is the lack of habitat.

These swans, with their aquatic feeding wants, are vital in sustaining and controlling the growth of aquatic vegetation.

Coscoroba Swan – Profile | Traits | Threats | Call | Diet | Breeding