The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) 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.

Black Swans are found throughout Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. They prefer larger salt, brackish or fresh waterways and permanent wetlands, requiring 40 m or more of clear water to take off. The Black Swan is a vegetarian and has the longest neck of all the Swans. It usually has the same mate for life and can live up to forty years.

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These two beautiful Swans don't live in Australia or New Zealand, they reside at the Crow and Gate Pub in Cedar. Built in 1972, the Crow and Gate was the first neighbourhood pub in BC. There are now a total of four Black Swans in residence, plus a variety of Mallards. If you haven't had lunch here, you're missing a great treat!