Eurasian Coot

Characterized by its white frontal shield and red iris.

Scientific name	Fulica atra
English name	Eurasian Coot
Japanese name	大鷭
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Fulica
Species	atra
Full length	39cm
Distribution	Resident bird south of the Tōhoku region

Eurasian Coot Characteristics and Morphology

Entirely black and appears significantly larger than the moorhen. Sexes are alike.
Distinctive for its black head and white frontal shield. The bill is short and ranges from white to slightly pink. The iris is red. The body has an oval silhouette. The feathers are slightly glossy. The tail feathers are short. The yellow feet have distinctive lobed toes.

Song

Vocalizes with relatively loud calls such as "Kyokyo" and "Kyū."

Eurasian Coot Ecology

Habitat

Inhabits watersides such as lakes, marshes, and rivers.

Food

Mainly eats aquatic plants, but also consumes insects.

Life Cycle

Breeds twice a year in nests built near the water.

Eurasian Coot Photos

Eurasian Coot Photos are introduced.
Tap the photo to open the detail page.

Characterized by its black forehead and red iris.

Swimming on the surface of the water in search of food.

Eurasian Coot Behavior

Often seen swimming on the surface of the water. Like other rails, it is wary and swims away when humans approach. When foraging, it dives headfirst into the water and remains submerged for more than 10 seconds. Outside the breeding season, they may form flocks.

Eurasian Coot Information

Naming

The specific name "atra" means "black" in Latin, reflecting its appearance.

The population in Japan has reportedly increased in recent decades.

Eurasian Coot Found Locations

Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park

Discovered at Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park in March. It was very cautious and swam away when it saw us. The level of wariness seems to vary depending on the habitat; when I found it in a river flowing through an urban area, it did not run away. I always have the impression that it is swimming a little hurriedly.