Eurasian CootFulica atraWhere and when to see them

The Eurasian Coot is a widespread waterbird belonging to the rail family, rather than the duck family. Its dark plumage, white bill and white forehead shield make adults distinctive on open water. Its range extends across much of Europe and Asia into parts of Africa and Australasia. Along the Douro, Rhine, Saône and Seine, suitable backwaters, reservoirs and nearby wetlands provide habitat. It also occurs in the Nile region, where wetlands can support wintering birds.

Size

36–42 cm long, with a wingspan of approximately 70–80 cm.

Weight

Usually 600–1,200 g, with males generally heavier than females.

Lifespan

Can live for more than 20 years in the wild, although most individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Coots swim confidently, often moving their heads backwards and forwards as they travel. They feed at the surface, upend in shallow water and dive to reach submerged food. During the breeding season, pairs defend territories vigorously against other coots and sometimes other waterbirds. Disputes can involve chasing, splashing and fighting with their feet. Both adults help build a nest of plant material, usually among waterside vegetation or supported above shallow water. The chicks leave the nest soon after hatching but continue to receive food and protection from their parents. Outside the breeding season, coots often gather in flocks, and birds from colder regions may migrate to milder waters.

• Each toe has separate fleshy lobes that help propel the bird through water.
• Coots belong to the same family as rails and crakes, not ducks.
• Newly hatched chicks have conspicuous reddish-orange feathers around the head.
• Taking flight from water often involves a running, splashing takeoff.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Eurasian Coots favour still or slow-moving water, particularly where aquatic plants provide food and nesting cover. They occupy lakes, ponds, reservoirs, marshes, canals and sheltered river margins. On large rivers, quieter side channels and connected wetlands are generally more suitable than fast-flowing stretches. They also use brackish lagoons and other sheltered coastal waters, especially outside the breeding season. Urban waters can support coots where suitable feeding and nesting conditions remain available.

Aquatic vegetation, including leaves, shoots and seeds, forms a substantial part of the diet. Coots also take algae and graze on grasses beside the water. They supplement plant food with insects, snails, small crustaceans and other aquatic animals. Food is collected by pecking at the surface, reaching into shallow water or diving.

Common name

Eurasian Coot

Scientific name

Fulica atra

Animal group

Birds

Size

36–42 cm long, with a wingspan of approximately 70–80 cm.

Weight

Usually 600–1,200 g, with males generally heavier than females.

Lifespan

Can live for more than 20 years in the wild, although most individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Adults have a rounded, dark grey to black body, a black head, a white bill and a white frontal shield. Their eyes are red, and their large grey-green feet have lobed toes rather than fully webbed feet. Juveniles are browner and paler, with a whitish face and throat and a less developed frontal shield. Common Moorhens differ in having a red bill with a yellow tip, a white flank line and conspicuous white markings beneath the tail.