Species Profile
Coot
Fulica atra
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
36–42 cm
Weight
600–1000 g
Wingspan
70–80 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Eurasian Coot, Common Coot
Gallery
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- White
- Legs
- Green
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Cambridgeshire
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Cumbria
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Conservation
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.
Elevation
Up to 3,500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- 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.
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.
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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