Fulica atra
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Mass
~720 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Aquatic plants
How to recognize it
The Eurasian Coot looks compact and sturdy, and it usually reads as almost black, with a bright white forehead shield and a pale bill. On water it seems уверенно and stands apart from many other wetland residents.
It is a noisy, active presence, especially in the breeding season, and when alarmed it rushes across the surface with plenty of splashing. It feeds on shallow water, can dive when needed, and during courtship it may run over the water or spring briefly into the air.
It suits lakes, ponds, floodplains, and calm, reedy places with plenty of cover. Its diet is mainly aquatic plants, though it also takes small animal food, and in milder areas it stays through the year while colder populations move away for winter.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Eurasian Coot looks compact and sturdy, and it usually reads as almost black, with a bright white forehead shield and a pale bill. On water it seems уверенно and stands apart from many other wetland residents.
It is a noisy, active presence, especially in the breeding season, and when alarmed it rushes across the surface with plenty of splashing. It feeds on shallow water, can dive when needed, and during courtship it may run over the water or spring briefly into the air.
It suits lakes, ponds, floodplains, and calm, reedy places with plenty of cover. Its diet is mainly aquatic plants, though it also takes small animal food, and in milder areas it stays through the year while colder populations move away for winter.
