{"id":23813,"date":"2023-02-06T15:59:32","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T14:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=138371"},"modified":"2023-02-06T16:36:04","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T15:36:04","slug":"coot-identification-diet-habitat-and-distribution","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/coot-identification-diet-habitat-and-distribution\/","title":{"rendered":"Coot: identification, diet, habitat and distribution"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a coot? What’s the difference between a coot and a moorhen? What does a coot sound like and where do they live? In this BBC Countryfile Magazine guide we take a closer look at these bolshie waterbirds. <\/p>

By Dominic Couzens\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 06 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

When is a duck not a duck? When it\u2019s a coot. When swimming among the wildfowl at a local park, the coot looks as though it is among kin, but look out for that white forehead shield \u2013 which gives rise to the phrase \u201cas bald as a coot\u201d \u2013 and the bill which is pointed, not flattened like that of a duck.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we take a closer look at the coot, revealing what they look like, where they live, what they eat and how to tell the difference between a coot and a moorhen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Interested in learning more about British wildlife? Check out our guides to frogs and toads<\/a>, wading birds<\/a> and reptiles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What does a coot look like?<\/h2>\n
The coot \u2013 Fulica atra<\/em> \u2013 has a distinctive white forehead shield and pointed bill. And when it comes out of the water, look at those odd, blue feet which are lobed not webbed.<\/p>\n
This is a really common bird, easily identified by its slate-black plumage and, one has to say, its equally dark countenance.<\/p>\n
In addition, coots invariably appear to be in conflict with one another, and sometimes this mood upgrades to spawning vigorous, spectacular fights, in which birds lean back and box with their feet, with much splashing, excitement and ego. The size of a coot\u2019s frontal shield, incidentally, is a sign of dominance in coot society.<\/p>\n
These birds measure\u00a036\u201339cm in size.<\/p>\n
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Coot distribution<\/h2>\n
Coots are common and widespread across the UK, with 25,000 pairs (190,000 in winter).<\/p>\n
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Coot diet<\/h2>\n
Coots are largely vegetarian and, in contrast to other rails, they typically dive underneath the surface of the water to find food.<\/p>\n

What does a coot sound like?<\/h2>\nOne of Britain\u2019s rarest birds is a coot in a good mood. The impression is partly derived from its loud, piercing \u201ckut\u201d call, which gives the bird its name, and other similar sounds, which all have an irritated edge.<\/p>\n

Coot diet<\/h2>\nCoots are largely vegetarian and, in contrast to other rails, they typically dive underneath the surface of the water to find food.<\/p>\n

Coot diet<\/h2>\n
Coots are largely vegetarian and, in contrast to other rails, they typically dive underneath the surface of the water to find food.<\/p>\n