The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. It was introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s and today is widespread and common in wetland areas throughout the country. Black Swans elegantly hold their necks arched or erect, and often carry their feathers or wings raised in an aggressive display towards other swans.

It constructs a substantial nest built of reeds and vegetation on the edges of rivers, lakes or lagoons. Incubation and cygnet rearing is shared by both sexes with chicks fledging around 6 months of age.