What is the life cycle of swans?

Black swans, which are native to Australia, reach reproductive age at around two years old, but most do not breed until they are 3-4 years old. They breed from February to May in the northern parts of Australia and June to September in the southern regions.

After the birds pair (usually for life), the female lays a clutch of around 8 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 40 days and, once hatched, cared for by both parents. Young cygnets are able to fly by the time they are six months old, but tend to stay with their parents until the next year's breeding season.

Black swans have a life span of 30 to 40 years.