Black Swan

This is a classic body feather from the iconic Black Swan. The bird is almost entirely black-plumaged with white primary flight feathers (hidden at rest). It features a bright red bill and red eyes. It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 2 meters, known for its graceful S-shaped neck and bugling call.

Dark charcoal to soot-black at the tip, transitioning into a smoky grey and eventually a pale, whitish-grey cloudy base. No banding or iridescence is present; it is purely melanin-based coloration.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked at the distal half, becoming plumulaceous and downy toward the proximal base for insulation.

Smooth and somewhat stiff at the tip with a matte finish; the base is soft, silky, and downy. Characteristic oily/waterproof feel common in Anseriformes.

Deep soot-black distal coloration fading to a pale grey base; thick, sturdy rachis; broad, rounded profile characteristic of large waterfowl.

Large permanent lakes, swamps, rivers, and coastal lagoons with aquatic vegetation.

Native to Australia and Tasmania; introduced and naturalized in New Zealand and parts of Europe and North America.

A primary herbivore of aquatic plants, helping to manage vegetation levels in wetlands. They are also prey for larger raptors and invasive foxes in certain regions.

Black Scout or large Dark Geese (like Canada Goose) may have similar feathers, but Cygnus atratus feathers are more uniformly dark with a distinctively pale, downy base.

Unlike many other waterbirds, Black Swans are largely sedentary but can travel long distances at night in response to rainfall and changing water levels. They are one of the few species known to form long-term, often lifelong, monogamous pair bonds.

Good condition with some minor wear at the tip and slight separation of the barbs on the left margin. No visible fault bars.