Nassim Nicholas Taleb Archives

This is post 36 of 36 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The image captures the striking close-up of a black swan (Cygnus atratus) against a stark, dark background.
The picture isolates a black swan against a solid black backdrop, bringing attention to its unique features. The swan's plumage is entirely black, with the texture of the feathers subtly visible. Its head and neck are gracefully curved, adding to its elegance. The beak is a vibrant red, with a small white tip, providing a sharp contrast to the black feathers. The swan's eye, also red, adds to the intensity of its gaze and stands out against the dark feathers. The lighting is focused, illuminating the swan's head and neck while leaving the background in deep shadow, emphasizing the contrast between light and darkness. The atmosphere of the picture is mysterious and dramatic, with a sense of solemnity conveyed by the swan's posture and the color palette.

A quick edit of a black swan photo taken on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) where we spent a few weeks this December, part of our recent Australia trip. More to come, once I’ve been through all photos 😅.

In the meantime, I leave you with a interesting facts about them.

Interesting Facts About Black Swans

Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are native to Australia and represent a fascinating species within the Anatidae family. Below are several interesting facts about them
Unlike most swans, which are white, black swans possess predominantly black feathers with white flight feathers visible only during flight. Their bright red bills feature a pale tip, and they have the longest neck relative to body size among swan species, aiding in foraging in deep water.
They are indigenous to Australia, particularly abundant in the southeast and southwest regions, including wetlands and lakes. Following European colonization, they were introduced to New Zealand, Europe, and North America as ornamental birds in parks and estates, where feral populations have established in some areas.
Black swans form lifelong monogamous pairs, often remaining together year-round. Both parents share incubation duties and chick-rearing, with cygnets riding on their parents’ backs for protection— a behavior that enhances survival in open water environments.
They produce a variety of trumpet-like calls, including bugling sounds for territorial defense or mating. These vocalizations are more musical than those of mute swans and play a key role in social interactions within flocks.
Primarily herbivorous, black swans feed on aquatic vegetation, algae, and submerged plants by upending in shallow waters (similar to dabbling ducks). They can tolerate brackish and saline environments, allowing them to inhabit a broader range of wetlands than many freshwater-dependent waterfowl.

Symbolism in Metaphor and Philosophy

The term “black swan” entered popular usage through Nassim Nicholas Taleb‘s book “The Black Swan” (2007), metaphorically describing rare, unpredictable events with profound impacts. Historically, Europeans assumed all swans were white until black swans were discovered in Australia in 1697 by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh, challenging prevailing assumptions.

📸 The photo was taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

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Mihaela Limberea

Tag: Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Favorite Photos: December 2025

Interesting Facts About Black Swans

Symbolism in Metaphor and Philosophy

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