Common Coot (Fulica atra)
(aka Eurasian Coot, Coot)
Coot, Scotland, January 2001 - click for larger image Scotland

The Coot is a common water bird occurring from Europe and north Africa through Asia to Australia and New Zealand.

It likes fairly large and still bodies of water but is very adaptable and does not need as much cover as other water birds.
Coot, Tyninghame, Scotland, February 2001 - click for larger image It is mainly vegetarian but also eats worms, insect larvae, etc..

The top photo shows a Coot adopting an aggressive attitude in preparation for chasing a rival. This individual has a fairly large white frontal shield.
Coot, Blackford Pond, Edinburgh, Scotland, February 2001 - click for larger image Juveniles can be seen in the 3rd and 4th photos.

There are illustrations in HBW, Volume 3, Pages 119, 123 and 202.
Coot, Blackford Pond, Edinburgh, Scotland, February 2001 - click for larger image
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