It lives in southern South America, the Falkland Islands , to the south of Brazil.The most southerly populations are migratory, wintering mainly in northern Argentina.

This is an inhabitant of lakes, marshes and lagoons as well as freshwater brackish .

It measures between 102 and 124 cm . Its plumage is white except the neck and the head are black, adults have red wattles at the base of the beak.

During the breeding season males become very aggressive. The nest is placed in vegetation near water . Of all the swans, this is the one that is most awkward on land because of the brevity of its legs.

This species is not threatened.