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COOT (Fulica atra)

©Nigel Key Coot (Slimbridge August 2010)

The Coot is a member of the Rallidae family (rail) and is related to the Moorhen.

The face shield on the Coot is featherless and gives rise to the expression ‘bald as a coot’.

The large feet of the Coot allow them to walk easily on soft and uneven ground. Whereas the Coot can walk and run well they are not very good fliers due to their small rounded wings.

   Hear the Coot's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
360mm to 380mm (14" to 15")

Appearance - Male
The male has mainly Black/Grey plumage with White face shield and bill. They have Silver/Grey long lobed toes and strong legs.

Appearance - Female
Similar to the male.

Habitat
Lakes, Rivers, Marshlands and Ponds.

Diet
Vegetation, Seeds, small animals and eggs.

Breeding Time
March.

Nest
Built in shallow water from vegetation.

Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 12
Colour: Yellow/Grey with Brown speckles.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Coot (WWT Slimbridge October 2016) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge April 2018) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge September 2018) - pic by Nigel Key
05/10/16 20/04/18 25/09/18
Coot (WWT Slimbridge May 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
25/05/13 06/07/13 04/09/13
Coot (WWT Slimbridge 2010) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
22/08/10 04/06/11 25/05/13
Coot (WWT Slimbridge April 2010) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge June 2010) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge August 2010) - pic by Nigel Key
22/04/10 04/06/10 22/08/10
Coot (WWT Slimbridge March 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge June 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Coot (WWT Slimbridge June 2009) - pic by Nigel Key
24/03/09 03/06/09 03/06/09
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


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LOCATION

Coot
Breeding Habitat
Europe, Asia, Africa and Austrlasia.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
Migrate Southward in winter during the night and arrive at their destination before dawn.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Coot
Swan Lake - WWTSlimbridge
© Nigel Key Swan Lake (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Coot can be found generally all around Slimbridge.

WWT Slimbridge Map


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl C to F
Canada Goose
Canvasback
Cape Barren Goose
Cape Teal
Chestnut Teal
Chilean Flamingo
Chiloe Wigeon
Cinnamon Teal
Comb Duck
Common Merganser
Coot
Coscoroba Swan
Crested Screamer
Demoiselle Crane
Eider
Emperor Goose
Eurasian Crane
Eurasian Teal
Eurasian Wigeon
Falcated Duck
Ferruginous Duck
Freckled Duck
Fulvous Whistling Duck