Black Swan

Native to Australia

How apropos that we were visited by a black swan back in 2020. Native to Australia, it’s anyone’s guess how this individual ended up on a forest preserve lake in northern Illinois, but there it was—resting among a family of mute swans, a gathering of the non-natives. Perhaps it escaped from a breeder, or wandered in from a pond that had once been stocked with black swans, such as one in Freeport, Illinois, several years ago. Whatever its journey, it was a remarkable and unexpected encounter, and a privilege to witness its striking beauty before wishing it—and the mutes—well on their migration, wherever they may roam next.

A Swan That Changed Expectations

Black Swans are native to Australia, where they primarily inhabit the southeast and southwest regions of the country. Early European explorers were astonished to discover them, as it was widely believed that all swans were white—a revelation that permanently reshaped natural history assumptions. Known for their deep black plumage and vivid red bills, Black Swans are nomadic birds, moving with changing conditions in search of favorable habitat. They hold cultural significance in Australia as the official bird of Western Australia and appear on the state’s flag and coat of arms. (Source: Animal of Things)

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