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The Black Swan has a body length of up to 142 cm, with the females being smaller than the males. In adults, the body is mostly black, with the exception of broad white wing tips, which are visible in flight. The bill is a deep orange-red, paler at the tip, with a distinct narrow white band towards the end. Younger birds are much greyer in colour, and have black wing tips. It is the only entirely black-coloured swan in the world.

Distribution and Habitat
Black Swans are found throughout Australia with the exception of Cape York Peninsula, and are more common in the south. They prefer larger salt, brackish or fresh waterways and permanent wetlands, requiring 40 m or more of clear water to take off.

Outside the breeding season, Black Swans travel quite large distances. Birds fly at night and rest during the day with other swans. The Black Swan has been introduced into several countries, including New Zealand, where it is now common, and is a vagrant to New Guinea.