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    Black-necked swans are found only in South America, spread throughout four countries: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil.  They tend to reside in large flocks (up to 5,000 birds) during the non-breeding season, but when breeding they split into highly territorial pairs.  During non-breeding months, many of these swans can be found in Uruguay and southern Brazil.  The breeding season initiates a migration south to areas such as Patagonia and the Falkland Islands.  Black-necked swans breed from July to September.  This bird inhabits mostly costal areas, as well as inland lakes.  Black-necked swans can be found in both marine and freshwater areas with an abundance of vegetation. 
    As mentioned in the nutrition section, these swans are omnivores, feeding mostly on submergent plants such as stonewarts and pond weeds, while also eating some aquatic insects and fish spawn.  Since the swans rely on a mostly vegan diet, they require a high intake of food each day.  The potential drain of resources this lifestyle can result in forces this swan to reside in areas that have an overabundance of aquatic vegetation.  The black-necked swan occupies wet regions due to the immense difficulty it encounters attempting to walk on land.  The legs of this bird are placed so far back on its body that it is practically unable to walk on dry land. 

*Map courtesy of Matt Rosenberg, Geography at About.com http://geography.about.com

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