| Eurasian Coot | ||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Fulica atra |
The Eurasian Coot, or just Coot, Fulica atra, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae.
It breeds across much of the Old World on freshwater lakes and ponds. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, but migrates further south and west from much of Asia in winter as the waters freeze.
The Coot is much less secretive than most of the rail family, and can be seen swimming on open water or walking across waterside grasslands. It is an aggressive species, and strongly territorial during the breeding season.
It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. They do the same, but wihout actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed (to escape a rival, for example, or to dispute possesion of a choice morsel). As with many rails, its weak flight does not inspire confidence, but on migration, usually at night, it can cover surprisingly large distances. It bobs its head as it swims, and makes short dives from a little jump.
It is largely black except for the white facial shield (which gave rise to the phrase "as bald as a coot"). As a swimming species, the Coot has partial webbing on its long strong toes. (See illustration below.) The young bird is paler than the adult, has a whitish breast, and lacks the facial shield.
This species builds a nest of dead reeds near the water's edge, laying up to 10 eggs.
The Coot is an omnivore, and will take a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds.
This is a noisy bird with a wide repetoire of crackling, explosive or trumpeting calls, often given at night.