The Coscorba Swan

The Coscoroba Swan, Coscoroba coscoroba, is one of the species of swans native to South America, alongside the Black-necked Swan. Known as the smallest of the swans, there is some debate about whether the Coscoroba Swan should be classed alongside other swans, or as a separate species.

The Coscoroba Swan is primarily known for its diminutive size, especially compared to other swans. A male Coscoroba on average measures 1m long, with a wingspan of just over 1.5m, in terms of waterfowl this still makes it a large bird, but could be the half the size of a large Trumpeter Swan.

Coscoroba Swan - Dick Daniels - CC-BY-SA-3.0

Weight wise as well the Coscoroba Swan is small in comparison, and an average male will weigh only a little bit over 4kg. As a general rule, female Coscoroba measure in at about 80% of their male counterparts.

It is often argued that the Coscoroba Swan looks more like a goose than it does a swan, although of course like other swans it is predominantly white. The white plumage though is contrasted by black flight feathers on the tips of the wings, although these black tips are only visible when the bird is in flight or putting on a show.

There is also a splattering of red on the swan, with the beak, legs and feet coloured. It is though the face of the Coscoroba Swan that sets it apart from other swans. The other species of swans have a face that is bereft of feathers, whilst the region between bill and eye on the Coscoroba is covered in white feathers,

In the wild there is thought to be an estimated 25000 Coscoroba Swans, although as with other swans estimates do go to the high and low of extremes. Traditionally found in its breeding grounds across Patagonia, the southern extremes of Chile and Argentina, and the Falkland Islands, the Coscoroba Swans shares many of the same habitats as the Black-necked Swan. The Coscoroba Swan will migrate further north during the winter, making a home in Paraguay and the southern states of Brazil.
Coscoroba Swans were named by the indigenous population of the southern reaches of South America after the sound of their call, cos-co-ro-oa.

In both the breeding and wintering grounds the Coscoroba Swan looks for similar habitat, and is especially partial to wetland areas. In particular the swans can normally be found near to fresh water in the form of lakes, marshes and slow moving rivers. The swans also like a well vegetated area for both food and protection.

Coscoroba Coscoroba - Patche99z - CC-BY-SA-3.0

The diet of the Coscoroba Swan is primarily based upon the plant life to be found near or in the water, but will often supplement this source of food with fish and any shellfish found in its locality.
Breeding for the Coscoroba starts with a brief courtship and a short dance, before a pair generally mates for life. In most cases a female swan will lay one clutch of eggs, with normally 6 eggs in the clutch. The incubation of the eggs is solely down to the female swan for the incubation period of between four and five weeks, although the male will act as protector for that period of time. The role of protector continues after hatching as well, and in the early days the father will never be far away from his offspring.

The locality of the nest is important in the early days after hatching, and long vegetation will offer some degree of protection for the cygnets. New born Coscoroba Swans will quickly be able to feed themselves and swim, but will take about four months before they are able to fly and flee from ay predators.

After the breeding season has come to a close it is not unusual to see large numbers of the Coscoroba Swan congregate together. Family groups, like other swans, often stay close to each other, but additionally the Coscoroba will happily share its surroundings with other birds.

The Coscoroba may not be the biggest of swans but in its surroundings and amongst other waterfowl still makes an impression, and although not endangered, care of its habitat will be the only way that this beautiful bird will survive for future generations to admire.

Copyright - First Published 2nd March 2010