Coot

Fulica atra

Lurking in the reeds of lakes and ponds, this black waterbird with its distinctive white beak is a common sight for both city dwellers and countryside explorers.

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Visual Identification

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

The Coot is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Coot is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Coot can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Coot is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Coot can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Coot is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Coot is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Coot is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Coot is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Coot is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Coot is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Coot is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Coot. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons