Coot  (Fulica atra)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The coot, Britain's largest rail species (5), is a plump water bird; it has a greyish body, a black head, and a white bill, above which there is a prominent white 'frontal shield' (2). The saying 'as bald as a coot' refers to this frontal plate, as do a number of local names for the species, including 'bald coot' and 'white-faced diver' (6). Juveniles have whitish areas on the sides of the head, breast and fore neck; the rest of the body is brownish-grey. The young are covered in black down and have red and blue markings on the head (2). Coots produce a variety of vocalisations, including a loud 'kowk', and a sharp 'pitts' (2).

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