After hatching, Black Swan cygnets are tended by the parents for about 9 months until fledging. This includes being rounded up for naps and preening and following parental commands! The male, the larger swan, is often near the rear and deals with any rebellion by the cygnets. Cygnets may ride on their parent’s back for longer trips into deeper water, but Black Swans undertake this behaviour less frequently than Mute and Black-necked Swans.
The chicks are covered in grey down, and are able to swim and feed themselves as soon as they hatch. They are however very vulnerable until they are able to fly.
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