Coot
Least ConcernFulica atra
Visual Identification
Coot
Appearance
The Coot is predominantly black with a slight bluish sheen, contrasting sharply with its white bill and frontal shield. Its body is rounded and plump, with a short tail and lobed feet adapted for swimming. The eyes are distinctive, with a bright red iris.
Juveniles have a duller plumage, often appearing dark grey or brown, with a paler throat and breast. They lack the bright white bill of adults, instead having a darker bill that gradually lightens with age.
Size
Length
36cm to 42cm
Wingspan
70cm to 80cm
Weight
600g to 1000g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
White
Leg Colour
Green Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Coots inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-flowing rivers. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation for both food and nesting materials. During winter, some may move to coastal lagoons or estuaries.
The species is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are common in the UK and Ireland and have been introduced to Australia and New Zealand, where they have established populations.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Coots are omnivorous, eating primarily aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates. They forage by diving underwater or grazing on land near the water's edge.
In urban areas, they may supplement their diet with bread and other human-provided food, though this is not recommended for their health.
Behaviour
Coots are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks on open water. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their lobed feet to propel themselves underwater when foraging.
On land, they walk with a distinctive bobbing gait, and when threatened, they can run across the water's surface, flapping their wings to gain speed.
Vocalisation
Coots are vocal birds known for their loud, explosive calls. Their most common vocalisation is a sharp, metallic 'kow-kow' or 'kyow-kyow', often repeated in rapid succession. During territorial disputes or when alarmed, they may produce a variety of grunts, croaks, and high-pitched squeals.
Nesting & Breeding
Coots typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which varies by location but generally occurs in spring and early summer. Courtship involves head-bobbing displays and mutual preening.
Nests are large, floating platforms made of aquatic vegetation, often anchored to emergent plants. The female lays 6-10 pale buff eggs with dark speckles. Both parents contribute to nest building and incubation.
Incubation lasts about 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and can swim shortly after hatching, but their parents feed them for several weeks. They reach independence at about eight weeks old.
Lifespan
years
The Coot typically lives for 10 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Coot is currently listed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and large population, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, which benefit Coots and many other waterbird species.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Coots in open water bodies, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
- Listen for their distinctive loud 'kow-kow' calls, which can help locate them in dense vegetation.
- Observe their unique diving behaviour, where they leap slightly before submerging.
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves like the London Wetland Centre or RSPB Minsmere for excellent Coot-watching opportunities.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Eurasian Coot, Common Coot
Family:
RallidaePredators
Adult Coots face predation from large birds of prey, such as eagles and large gulls, while eggs and chicks are vulnerable to corvids, pike, and various mammals including foxes and otters.
Did You Know?
- Coots have lobed feet rather than webbed feet, which allows them to both swim efficiently and walk on land.
- They are known for their aggressive territorial behaviour, often engaging in dramatic fights with intruders.
- Coot chicks have brightly coloured head plumage that helps parents identify and feed them in the nest.
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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Fulica atra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22692913A154269531.
View source - 2 3
report, 2016: Wetlands International