18-10-2015 MALDON, ESSEX - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), also known as the Common coot, or Australian coot, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. Similar-looking coot species are found throughout the world, with the largest variety of coot species living in South America.

The Eurasian coot is 36–38 cm (14–15 in) in length with a wing-span of 70–80 cm (28–31 in); males weigh around 890 g (31 oz) and females 750 g (26 oz). It is largely black except for the white bill and frontal shield (which gives rise to the phrase "as bald as a coot", in use as early as 1430). As a swimming species, the coot has partial webbing on its long strong toes. The sexes are similar in appearance.

The juvenile is paler than the adult, has a whitish breast, and lacks the facial shield; the adult black plumage develops when about 3–4 months old, but the white shield is only fully developed at about one year old.

Eurasian coots breed in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. They have recently expanded their range into New Zealand. These birds are residents in the milder parts of their range only performing nomadic movements; however, populations from much of Asia migrate further south and west in winter as the waters freeze. Eurasian coots inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, pools, creeks, rivers and river deltas, marshes, freshwater meadows, flooded grasslands, and freshwater, and saline lagoons.

Eurasian coots are much less secretive than most of the rail family, and frequently swim on open water or walk across waterside grasslands. They are quite aggressive birds, and strongly territorial during the breeding season, and both parents defend their nesting site. During the non-breeding season, they may form large flocks, possibly related to predator avoidance. Eurasian coots are reluctant to fly and when taking off run across the water surface with much splashing. They do the same, but without actually flying, when traveling a short distance at speed in territorial disputes or on land to escape from intruders. As with many rails, their weak flight does not inspire confidence, but on migration, usually at night, they can cover surprisingly large distances. When swimming they bob their heads, and make short dives from a little jump. When fighting other waterbirds (especially other coots), Eurasian coots attack by charging their opponent and striking them with their long legs. When feeding, these birds graze on land or in the water. In the water, they may upend in the fashion of a mallard or dive in search of food. Eurasian coots are noisy and have a wide repertoire of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, often given at night.