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Coot

Fulica atra

1 photo

1 photographer

·Common · 1 pts

All-black waterbird with distinctive white bill and shield.

1 community photo of Coot on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/400ss shutter, 259mm.

Species Profile

Green List (UK Birds of Conservation Concern); stable and common

Lifespan: 8–12 years in the wild, with some individuals recorded living longer in captivity
Size & Weight: 36–38 cm long, wingspan 75–105 cm; 600–900 g
Habitat: Found on freshwater lakes, reservoirs, gravel pits, and slow-moving rivers with emergent vegetation and open water.
UK Distribution: Widespread resident throughout the UK, found on suitable freshwater bodies year-round; populations are supplemented by continental migrants in winter.
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, algae, insects, small fish, tadpoles, and invertebrates; often dabbles and upends in shallow water.
Prey: Small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insect larvae, and freshwater invertebrates
Predators: Pike, perch, herons, cormorants, foxes (on land), and birds of prey including buzzards and eagles
Mating Season: March to August
Breeding: Clutch of 6–9 eggs, incubation period 21–24 days; typically one brood per year, though second broods may occur if first clutch fails.
Behaviour: Coots are highly territorial and aggressive, often seen fighting vigorously with rivals. They are gregarious in winter, forming large rafts on open water. They are noisy birds, producing loud calls and splashing displays.

Did You Know?

•The coot has a distinctive white facial shield and bill, and all-black plumage, making it easily identifiable on water
•Despite being waterbirds, coots have long legs positioned far back on their bodies, making them awkward walkers on land
•Young coots have bright orange-red heads and plumage, appearing very different from the grey and black adults
•Coots are known for their aggressive territorial behaviour, often chasing other waterfowl and even attacking their own reflections
•They produce a loud, harsh 'kek-kek-kek' call and make distinctive yelping sounds during breeding season

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Shutter

1/400ss

ISO Range

400

Aperture

f/f/5.6

Focal Length

259mm

🐦 Coot

Bird