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Coot: (Fulica atra) (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Rallidae,
Length: 36 to 38cm Wingspan 70 to 80cm Weight 600 to 900g
Lifespan: Up to 15 years.
They constitute the genus Fulica, Latin name for “Coot”. A close relative to the Moorhen.
Widespread and common in most of Europe, only in North and East Europe throughout the summer months. Not seen in Iceland and Northern Scandinavia.
It is a social bird and large flocks will gather in the winter months; migrating at night.
The featherless white shield on the bird’s forehead, here becomes the saying "as bald as a coot," Like other rails, they have long large toes that are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. Also having strong legs so they can walk and run vigorously. They tend to have short, rounded wings and are not strong fliers, though northern species can and do cover long distances
Habitat: Usually easily seen, unlike many rails swimming in open waters, prefering shallow vegetated Lakes, large ponds, flooded pits and reservoirs with a good growth of vegetation and overhanging branches along the edges of the waterline. Can also be seen feeding on grassy banks close by to water, especially in parks where they are seen in family groups.
The Coot is a good diver to feed underwater and is an omnivorous feeder, feeding on most water vegetation including the roots, seeds, fruits, grass, small rodents, amphibians, like tadpoles, snails, fish and similar aquatic species.
Will become aggressive in the breeding season towards other Coots that enter within its set territory, usually by raising their wings and body feathers is enough but can become aggressive sometimes if the display does not deter.
Nesting: Large bowl-shaped nest of wet vegetation nestled in overhanging branches or wedged in reeds, also on semi-floating mounds of various vegetation waste at the water’s edge. One to two broods containing between six to nine eggs, April to August.
Many chicks die of starvation, coots can be brutal to their own young when there is a lack of food, in some cases will even attack their young when begging for food. The young will eventually give up begging and die. The coot may eventually raise only two or three young chicks out of nine hatchlings.
Voice: Loud volatile, “kowk” sound with high squeaky “teuwk” and “pik” sounding notes.
Read MoreFamily: Rallidae,
Length: 36 to 38cm Wingspan 70 to 80cm Weight 600 to 900g
Lifespan: Up to 15 years.
They constitute the genus Fulica, Latin name for “Coot”. A close relative to the Moorhen.
Widespread and common in most of Europe, only in North and East Europe throughout the summer months. Not seen in Iceland and Northern Scandinavia.
It is a social bird and large flocks will gather in the winter months; migrating at night.
The featherless white shield on the bird’s forehead, here becomes the saying "as bald as a coot," Like other rails, they have long large toes that are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. Also having strong legs so they can walk and run vigorously. They tend to have short, rounded wings and are not strong fliers, though northern species can and do cover long distances
Habitat: Usually easily seen, unlike many rails swimming in open waters, prefering shallow vegetated Lakes, large ponds, flooded pits and reservoirs with a good growth of vegetation and overhanging branches along the edges of the waterline. Can also be seen feeding on grassy banks close by to water, especially in parks where they are seen in family groups.
The Coot is a good diver to feed underwater and is an omnivorous feeder, feeding on most water vegetation including the roots, seeds, fruits, grass, small rodents, amphibians, like tadpoles, snails, fish and similar aquatic species.
Will become aggressive in the breeding season towards other Coots that enter within its set territory, usually by raising their wings and body feathers is enough but can become aggressive sometimes if the display does not deter.
Nesting: Large bowl-shaped nest of wet vegetation nestled in overhanging branches or wedged in reeds, also on semi-floating mounds of various vegetation waste at the water’s edge. One to two broods containing between six to nine eggs, April to August.
Many chicks die of starvation, coots can be brutal to their own young when there is a lack of food, in some cases will even attack their young when begging for food. The young will eventually give up begging and die. The coot may eventually raise only two or three young chicks out of nine hatchlings.
Voice: Loud volatile, “kowk” sound with high squeaky “teuwk” and “pik” sounding notes.
