Harteman Wildfowl - Coscoroba swan

Coscoroba swan

Coscoroba coscoroba
Dutch: Coscoroba zwaan
German: Koskorobaschwan
French: Cygne coscoroba

Text by Dan Cowell
GBWF.org

The Coscoroba Swan has created some confusion between orinthologists. Some feel the species belongs with the Whistling Ducks Dendrocygna, and others with the true swans Cygnus. This species has similarities of both groups. The overall appearance resembles swans, although smaller. Both sexes are completely white with bright pink feet and bill. The young resemble young Whistling Ducks.

In the wild, the Coscoroba Swan inhabits the wetlands of southern South America, from southern Brazil to Tierra del Fuego. They are somewhat migratory in parts of the scattered range. Not much is known of other wild habits.

The Coscoroba Swan is often kept and bred in captivity. The breeding season begins in late Spring and incubation is done by the hen and lasts about 35 days. Both sexes share in the rearing of the young.

Very attractive and unique, this species makes a wonderful addition to those who have a large body of water. They are calm and do well in mixed collections. Not as Winter hardy as true swans, they will need adequate protection from the elements.