Eurasian Coot

White forehead and red iris.

Scientific name	Fulica atra
English name	Eurasian Coot
Japanese name	Oban
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Gruiformes Rallidae
Full length	39cm
Distribution	resident birds south of the Tohoku region

Characteristics

A bird belonging to the family Queridae, which has a black body and a white forehead. The iris is red. They often swim on the surface of the water. Like other rail birds, they are wary and will swim away when approached by humans. The yellow feet have a characteristic web called "valve feet". The population in Japan has increased in recent decades.

Ecology

It also lives in lakes, marshes, and rivers. They mainly eat aquatic plants, but they also eat insects. When taking food, it dives headfirst into the water and does not float for more than 10 seconds. Breeds twice a year in nests built near water. They sometimes move in groups outside the breeding season.

Habitat

Found at Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park in March. They are very cautious and swim away when they see us. It seems that there is a difference in wariness depending on the habitat, and when I found it in the river flowing through the city, it did not run away. I always get the impression that they are swimming in a bit of a hurry.