The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)

I photographed this beautiful Black-necked Swan on 03/09/2011 inside the Wildlife Habitat area while staying at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Because  the water is so clear and the reflection of the swan overshadows the rocks in the water, it appears that this one is actually ‘walking-on-water’.

Area Description: Amid the neon lights, slot machines and the hustle and bustle of the Strip less than 300 feet away, the Flamingo offers an oasis that will make you feel like you have been transported to a tropical island. Full of photo opportunities, the Wildlife Habitat is filled with lush foliage imported from around the world including many varieties of pines, palms and magnolia. As you stroll its winding walkways alongside streams and waterfalls, or on bridges over lagoons and ponds, you get to view more than 300 birds, including Impeyn and silver pheasants, Gambel's quail, a Crown crane, two ibis, various swans, ducks and parrots, Chilean flamingos, African penguins, turtles, Japanese koi, albino channel catfish, plus grackle birds, house sparrows, mallard ducks and hummingbirds in the menagerie.

Description: The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) is the largest waterfowl native to South America. Males are 45–55 inches and weigh between 10 and 15 lbs. Slightly smaller, females range between 40–49 inches and weigh between 7–9 lbs. Their wingspan is about 70 inches. The body plumage is pure white with a black neck, head and greyish bill. It has a red knob near the base of the bill and white stripe behind eye. The sexes are similar, with the female slightly smaller. The cygnet has a light grey plumage with black bill and feet.