Coscoroba Swan

Coscoroba coscoroba

The coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is a white South American waterfowl that sits between typical swans and geese in appearance. It is smaller and lighter than the large Cygnus swans, with a red bill, pinkish red legs, rounded head, and black primaries that show most clearly in flight. Native to marshes, lakes, and flooded grasslands of southern South America, it feeds by grazing, dabbling, and taking aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Pairs are often strongly bonded, and adults can become defensive around nests and young.

Aviculturists keep coscoroba swans in ornamental waterfowl collections where there is clean water for bathing, open grazing space, and secure night or winter shelter in colder regions. They do best with room to avoid crowding, since breeding birds may chase other waterfowl. A balanced waterfowl pellet, grass, greens, and seasonal pond foods usually suit them better than bread or rich treats. Nesting pairs build bulky nests near water, and managers protect eggs and cygnets from foxes, raccoons, dogs, and large gulls where those predators occur. Local permits may apply to keeping exotic waterfowl.