Page 161 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

RAILS, CRAKES,AND COOTS
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Fulica atra
Coot yellowish bill

blurred white
face and throat
ADULT
JUVENILE
rounded intensely red eye
rump slate-black black head
body
pale
rear
edge white facial
shield and bill
IN FLIGHT

ADULT

hese quarrelsome waterbirds are often found on wide open
Twater on large reservoirs or flooded pits; they are rarely on the ADULT
sea.They are also frequently seen feeding on nearby grassy banks.
Feeding flocks are usually bigger and more coherent than the loose large grey feet
groups of Moorhens. Coots are also obviously bigger and more with lobed toes
heavily built. Close views reveal their broadly lobed toes, more like
a grebe’s.While superficially duck-like, the Coot is really not very
like any species of European duck.
VOICE Loud, explosive kowk, high, squeaky teuwk, pik, and similar FLIGHT: usually low, quite quick but heavy, lacking
notes; juvenile has loud whistling calls. agility; big feet trailing.
NESTING Large bowl of wet
vegetation, in overhanging
branches or reeds, or on mound
of semi-floating debris at water’s
edge; 6–9 eggs; 1 or 2 broods;
April–August.
FEEDING Dives easily to feed
underwater, bouncing back up
like a cork; eats grass, seeds, FAMILY GROUP TERRITORIAL DISPLAY
shoots, snails, tadpoles, and Coots often nest on town park lakes, where Coots raise their wings and body feathers to impress
similar small aquatic creatures. family groups are a familiar sight. and scare away rivals, and often resort to fights.
SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Widespread except in Iceland and
slim, upturned bill
MOORHEN N Scandinavia; in summer only in
see p.158 slimmer N and E Europe. Nests mostly on
lakes and flooded pits, with
marginal vegetation or overhanging
branches. In winter, on bigger
pointed tail lakes and more open shores.
with white BLACK-NECKED GREBE
beneath winter, similar to Seen in the UK
juvenile; see p.63 J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 36–38cm (14–15in) Wingspan 70–80cm (28–32in) Weight 600–900g (21–32oz)
Social Large winter flocks Lifespan Up to 15 years Status Secure
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