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Eurasian Coot
Fulica atra
51.5194, -0.489722
Field Notes
Description:
The Coot is 36–42 cm long, and is largely black except for the white facial shield (which gave rise to the phrase "as bald as a coot", which the Oxford English Dictionary cites in use as early as 1430). As a swimming species, the Coot has partial webbing on its long strong toes.
Habitat:
The Coot is much less secretive than most of the rail family, and can be seen swimming on open water or walking across waterside grasslands.
Notes:
It is an aggressive species, and strongly territorial during the breeding season, and both parents are involved in territorial defense.
It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. They do the same, but without actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed in territorial disputes. As with many rails, its weak flight does not inspire confidence, but on migration, usually at night, it can cover surprisingly large distances. It bobs its head as it swims, and makes short dives from a little jump.
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