Eurasian coot

The Eurasian coot, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and parts of North Africa. It has a slaty-black body, a glossy black head and a white bill with a white frontal shield. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Distribution

Region

Europe, Asia, and Australasia

Typical Environment

Occurs widely on lowland lakes, ponds, reservoirs, slow-flowing rivers, and marshes with ample emergent vegetation. It favors open freshwater but also uses brackish lagoons and sheltered coastal inlets outside the breeding season. Breeding typically takes place in reedbeds or dense aquatic vegetation where floating platform nests can be anchored. In winter it gathers on large water bodies, including urban parks and man-made wetlands. It adapts well to eutrophic waters and modified landscapes.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 3500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size36–42 cm

Wing Span70–80 cm

Male Weight0.9 kg

Female Weight0.8 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This coot has lobed toes rather than webbed feet, letting it run across the water’s surface during takeoff and dive efficiently. Its gleaming white bill and frontal shield inspired the phrase “bald as a coot.” Chicks hatch with striking orange-red head frills, and adults can be remarkably aggressive in defending territories.

Gallery

The shield

Legs and feet of Eurasian coot in St James's Park, London

Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden, Germany

Behaviour

Temperament

territorial and assertive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats after a running takeoff; low, direct flight

Social Behavior

Pairs form during the breeding season and build floating platform nests anchored in reeds; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, they can gather in large, loose flocks on open water. Territorial disputes involve dramatic chasing, wing-flapping, and feet-first kicking on the water surface.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud, sharp, and grating—series of keks, koks, and squeaks used for contact and alarm. Not a melodious singer, its calls carry well over open water and are frequent during territorial encounters.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Eurasian crag martin

The Eurasian crag martin or just crag martin is a small passerine bird in the swallow family. It is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long with ash-brown upperparts and paler underparts, and a short, square tail that has distinctive white patches on most of its feathers. It breeds in the mountains of southern Europe, northwestern Africa and across the Palearctic. It can be confused with the three other species in its genus, but is larger with brighter tail spots and different plumage tone. Many European birds are resident, but some northern populations and most Asian breeders are migratory, wintering in northern Africa, the Middle East or India.

Eurasian goshawk

The Eurasian goshawk is a species of medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, a family which also includes other extant diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. It is a widespread species that inhabits many of the temperate parts of Eurasia. Except in a small portion of southern Asia, it is the only species of "goshawk" in its range and it is thus often referred to, both officially and unofficially, as simply goshawk. It is mainly resident, but birds from colder regions migrate south for the winter. As of 2023, goshawks found in North America are no longer considered to be conspecific, but are now designated as the American goshawk.