Coots are related to moorhens, but they do not compete for food and are often found in the same habitat.  

Coots are round-bodied, short-tailed birds with large legs. When swimming, they resemble a duck. They are covered in black feathers except for the bill and forehead, which are white. The feet are grey and rather large, and the toes are lobed.  Coots are distributed throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

They inhabit highly vegetated lakes and ponds and feed on small aquatic animals, seeds and plants.   Coots dive below the surface, to depths of up to 2m, when searching for food such as insect larvae. When they take off from the water, they run along the surface, splashing their feet. They are sociable birds and are often found in flocks feeding together on ponds. Coots are territorial, and will swim menacingly towards intruders.

Some coots over winter in northern harbours, others migrate to west Europe.  The coot  builds their nest of reeds at the edge of reed beds, and is often visible. The female lays 5-15 speckled eggs. After 22 days, the chicks hatch. They are dark brown and fluffy, with an orange- and blue-coloured head.

Coots have a wide repertoire of calls, including a loud 'kowk' monosyllable, an explosive 'pitts!' sound and a trumpeting 'pe pe-eu' call when flying around their territory.

Notes

A group of coots is known as a ‘cover’.

The moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird, that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. Up close it is olive-brown on the back and the head and underneath are blue-grey. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. It breeds in the UK in lowland areas, especially in central and eastern England. It is scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far.

There's a chance of seeing a moorhen anywhere where there is water - from a small ditch or a lake in a city centre park, to a big lake or reservoir.  Water plants, seeds, fruit, grasses, insects, snails and worms

Photos by: Bill Milton