Belongs to: crakes

Coot Fulica atra

Familiar all black waterbird with white frontal shield and bill; forms large flocks

Habitat: open freshwater lakes, ponds and dense aquatic vegetation

Widespread and common resident

All black, greyish legs, large webbed feet; white bill and frontal shield

Swims with nodding head movements, diving frequently; forms large tightly-packed 'rafts' in winter

Eats mostly plants and some animal matter

Nest is a bulky cup among aquatic vegetation or adjacent bushes

2 Broods Mid-March – June; 6-9 buff eggs spotted black