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The Black-necked Swan.
(Cygnus nigricollis.)
Swans are found in most countries of the world with the exception of Africa south of the Sahara, and the northern district of Australia, and S. America. The handsome species depicted, an inhabitant of S. America, resembles our white swan in its habits, frequenting lakes, rivers and sea-coasts, where it feeds by plunging its head and long neck into the water to obtain the water-weeds growing on the bottom. Its plumage is pure white except for the head and neck which are black, and it is further remarkable in possessing a bright red knob on its beak. This decoration is borne by both sexes.