A common sight in wetland habitats across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, it is a versatile and adaptable waterbird known for its distinctive behaviors and characteristics. These birds are often found congregating in large numbers in brackish marshes, freshwater lakeshores, and slow-moving riverways, where they engage in a variety of activities such as swimming, running, and diving. While they typically gather in groups of hundreds, they tend to become more solitary during the breeding season, establishing individual territories and nesting sites.
One of the most striking features of the Eurasian coot is its large feet with lobed toes, which are specially adapted for efficient propulsion through the water. These remarkable appendages enable the coot to navigate marshy environments with ease, propelling itself forward with powerful strokes as it forages for food. Their diet primarily consists of vegetation obtained through underwater dives, where they remain submerged for brief periods, skillfully harvesting aquatic plants and algae to sustain themselves.
During the nesting season, Eurasian coots can exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly towards other waterfowl species. They are known to engage in nest parasitism, forcibly taking over the nests of unsuspecting ducks and other birds to use for their own reproduction. Additionally, parental care among coots can be notably harsh, with chicks at risk of being violently pecked if they make too much noise or exhibit any signs of weakness. In extreme cases, if resources are scarce or if parents become overly aggressive, they may resort to cannibalizing their own offspring as a means of survival.
Despite these aggressive tendencies, Eurasian coots play an important role in their ecosystems as both consumers and prey. By foraging on aquatic vegetation, they help to control plant populations and maintain the balance of wetland habitats. Additionally, their presence provides a vital food source for predators such as birds of prey and mammals, contributing to the intricate web of life within wetland ecosystems.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Canada
Chad
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Djibouti
East Timor
Egypt
Estonia
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Guam
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Niger
Nigeria
Nort. Mariana Is.
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
UAE
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
