Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) belongs to the rail family (Rallidae) and is a common, recognizable bird species inhabiting aquatic habitats. It is one of the most frequently observed waterbirds in Türkiye, with a wide distribution range.

Description and Physical Characteristics

The Eurasian Coot is a stout, round-backed waterbird with a short tail and a dark greyish-black body. The most distinctive feature of adult individuals is the bright white bill and frontal shield, which contrast with the black plumage. Its eyes are red, legs are greenish, and toes are lobed rather than webbed. The underside of the wings is paler, and a thin, white trailing edge is visible in flight.

Juveniles have whitish faces and breasts, grey-brown flanks, and brown eyes; they lack a frontal shield. In their first winter, the bill appears dirty white and the frontal shield is smaller. The Eurasian Coot has difficulty taking off directly from the water; it usually runs across the water surface, flapping its wings before taking flight.

Habitat

The Eurasian Coot prefers freshwater and slightly brackish habitats rich in vegetation. Its main breeding and feeding grounds include lakes, reservoirs, ponds, lagoons, reedbeds, marshes, and drainage canals. It can also be seen along seashores, harbors, straits, and river mouths. In urban areas, it may inhabit large ornamental ponds in parks.

Distribution

The species breeds in suitable wetlands across all regions of Türkiye and is the most widespread and abundant waterbird in the country. During winter, its numbers increase with the arrival of migrant individuals from northern regions. Globally, the Eurasian Coot occurs throughout the Palearctic, India, Java, northwestern New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania.

Diet

The Eurasian Coot is omnivorous. Its diet mainly consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and grains, but it also consumes insects, larvae, worms, crustaceans, and mussels. It has been observed stealing food from ducks. It forages by diving in shallow water or gathering food from the surface, usually bringing items to the surface to eat.

Breeding and Biology

The Eurasian Coot is resident, partially migratory, and gregarious. It builds its nest from reeds and rushes, either floating on water or in marshes, securing the structure to nearby vegetation. It often breeds in colonies.

The breeding age is 1–2 years, and the average lifespan is about 18–19 years. Breeding occurs between March and September. The female lays eggs measuring about 57 × 38 mm; the incubation period lasts 21–24 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge at around 8 weeks. The species moults once or twice a year, temporarily losing its ability to fly during this period.

Behavior

The Eurasian Coot is an assertive bird. Before taking off, it runs across the water surface. Prior to diving, it traps air in its plumage to maintain buoyancy. When defending its territory, it lowers its frontal shield toward the water and raises its wings backward and upward in a threatening display.

In the late afternoon, it often bathes by repeatedly dipping its head into the water, followed by shaking itself and splashing by striking its feet together on the surface.

Voice

The Eurasian Coot’s call is loud and metallic, described as a sharp “pit,” a nasal “piu,” and a croaking, frog-like “köv.”

Local Names

In Türkiye, it is also known by various regional names such as sakarmeke, meke, büyük saz tavuğu (“large reed hen”), kara ördek (“black duck”), and karakuş (“black bird”).