Latin name

Fulica atra

Family

Rails (Rallidae)

Where to see them

Mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes when deep enough. Sometimes seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Vegetation, snails and insect larvae.

Population

In the UK

All except far N and W of Scotland

Coot (adult)

• Size: between pigeon-mallard
• Feather colours: black, white
• Beak colours: black/dark grey, white
• Beak length: medium
• Beak thickness: medium
• Beak shape: medium
• Leg colour: black/grey, brown, green
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, dives underwater

Coot (juvenile)

• Colouring: Juvenile
• Size: between pigeon-mallard
• Feather colours: brown, black, grey
• Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, white
• Beak length: medium
• Beak thickness: medium
• Beak shape: medium
• Leg colour: black/grey, brown, green
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, dives underwater

• 
  Moorhen