Black Swan

( Originally Published Early 1900's )

The last of the Swans is the celebrated Black Swan (Che-no pis atrata) of Australia. It is a smaller bird than some of the white species, being only about forty inches long, and is brownish black throughout, with the lower surface paler, and with the primaries and secondaries pure white. The bill is scarlet, crossed near the tip by a broad white band. Aside from the color, which of course serves to distinguish it at once, the inner wing-feathers and feathers between the shoulders are crisped or curled and raised. The neck is long and slender, and carried in a very graceful curve, which, with its comparative tameness, makes it one of the most attractive birds of the whole group.