The Mascarene coot is an extinct species of coot that inhabited the Mascarene islands of Mauritius and Réunion. Long known from subfossil bones found in the Mare aux Songes swamp on the former island, but only assumed from descriptions to also have been present on the latter, remains have more recently been found on Réunion also. Early travellers' reports from Mauritius were, in reverse, generally assumed to refer to common moorhens, but it seems that this species only colonized the island after the extinction of the endemic coot.
Region
Mascarene Islands
Typical Environment
Historically occupied freshwater wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes on Mauritius and Réunion. It favored areas with dense emergent vegetation such as reeds and sedges for cover and nesting. Slow-moving waters, pond margins, and seasonal floodplains would have provided foraging habitat. Proximity to freshwater and abundant aquatic plants were key habitat features. Coastal brackish wetlands may have been used opportunistically.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mascarene coot was an island coot endemic to Mauritius and Réunion, known from subfossil remains and early traveler accounts. It likely declined rapidly after human settlement due to overhunting, wetland loss, and introduced predators. Evidence suggests it frequented lowland marshes like the Mare aux Songes in Mauritius. Its extinction probably occurred by the late 17th to early 18th century.
Mascarene coot (fossils and life restoration above) compared to a red-knobbed coot and a Eurasian coot, 1873
Temperament
social and wary near nest sites, more gregarious in non-breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; often runs across the water surface to take off
Social Behavior
Likely formed small groups on open water outside the breeding season. During breeding, pairs defended territories in dense marsh vegetation and built floating or semi-floating nests from reeds. Both parents probably incubated and cared for chicks, as in other coots.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls were probably a series of sharp, grating clucks and squeaks typical of coots. Vocalizations carried well over water and were used to maintain contact and signal aggression.
