- 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.