Fulica atra

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Family

Rallidae

 

Genus

Fulica

Species

atra

Common Names

Eurasian Coot, Coot, Black Coot, Common Coot, European Coot

Distinguishing Features

This is an easily recognised species, with all-black plumage and a white bill and head shield. The eye is red on its relatively small head. The legs and feets are slate-grey coloured and half-webbed. Young birds are pale grey beneath, with a white throat and a smaller head shield.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A variety of harsh notes, a sharp 'kyik!' and a grating 'kiek-keik-keik'.

Similar Species

The Eurasian Coot is a distinct looking species.

Distribution

This species is found in permanently high numbers in deep wetlands across the Australian continent, following rain events and searching for water bodies in drier regions. It is also very common and abundant across New Zealand, Europe and Asia.

Country of Origin

Europe or Asia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Coots are very common across well-watered areas of the region. However, in regional parts of NSW they have been recognised as a significantly declining species in response to water being pumped out of the natural waterways for irrigation.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Many birds were seen at the waterfront around the NMA, with others in Civic West, ANU and BMP.

Associated vegetation community

Coots can be seen in almost any wetland environment, preferring freshwater in rivers, lakes and swamps, urban waterways or sewage farms.

Limiting Resources

Water bodies must be surrounded by thick vegetation in order for Eurasian Coots to breed successfully. Deep water bodies with an abundance of healthy aquatic vegetation and algae is also required.

Breeding

The breeding season runs from September to December, however it is also influenced by a good rain event in drier regions. Both parents share all the responsibilities for the single brood produced each year. Nests are constructed in the edging shallows by building up a heap of vegetation into a large bowl, which floats among the reeds or logs. 5-7 cream coloured and lightly speckled eggs are laid at 24-hour intervals, needing 23-26 days of incubation.

Behaviour

This species spends most of its time in open waters, rarely coming to shore to feed on grasses. They are active feeders during the day, but when travelling, they prefer the cover of night. Throughout most of the year they are highly social and spend time in large groups on the open water, squabbling, wing flapping and bobbing about together. During the breeding season, pairs become very territorial and chase away other birds with vigour.

Functional Group

Herbivore

Food Species

Coots usually feed in the open water, diving for aquatic plants and algae.

Predators

The fluffy Coot chicks are very vulnerable to a variety of hungry predators, including Black Rats (Rattus Rattus), Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae ), Swamp Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) and Purple Swamphens (Porphyrio porphyrio ).

Interesting Fact

This species is particularly aggressive in the breeding season, when pairs are known to steal the nests of other waterbirds, rolling the eggs of the other birds into the water.