Cadwallader

The Coscoroba is a native of South America, living from Southern Brazil to the southern tip of Chile and on the Falkland Islands.

The Coscoroba, like all swans, is a member of the Duck (Anatidae) family. As the family has spread out since Creation into species, the Coscoroba is more like the ducks than any other swan. Some biologists suggest it should be classified as a Tree Duck, or Whistling Duck.

All the duck family have been designed with legs set wide apart and towards the back of the body. This, and their webbed feet, makes them very efficient swimming in the water but less fast on land.

They will build their nest out of grass and straw, lined with feathers. Normally 4-9 eggs are laid, incubation takes about 28 days and often there are two clutches per year.

Our Coscoroba has been pinioned (the tip of the wing cut off painlessly at a day old) to stop them flying away. They are in a secure pen to protect them from the foxes that live on the farm.

The pond becomes full to overflowing after heavy rain in winter and drops in fine weather.