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Eurasian Coot

(Fulica atra)
Aboriginal name: "kirli"
Size: 35-38 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

The range of the Eurasian Coot is similar to those of other gallinules, but their ability to deal with various conditions leads them just a bit further than others everywhere. They populate most of the Australian continent, except the most arid parts from about the Nullarbor to south of the Kimberleys. They are most common in the south-east of the continent, including Tasmania, and in the south-western corner of WA. In the semi-arid interior their distribution will depend on rainfall.

Eurasian Coots live in swamps, often around lakes and farm dams, and also in estuaries.

Sightings

Eurasian Coots are found on lakes and lake shores throughout Australia. A very common and approachable bird in many city parks, but a bit harder to approach in rural Australia. In the region of Narrabri, NSW, seen by us regularly around Narrabri Lake.

Also spotted by us in many locations in central QLD, in particular also, in large numbers, in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009. Special access to the wetlands kindly granted by the owners of Capricorn Resort is most gratefully acknowledged.

Subsequently, hundreds of birds were spotted by us at Lake Goran, an ephemeral lake about 30 km south of Gunnedah, NSW, in April 2011.

Photos

Lateral view of an Eurasian Coot on an urban lake

Here a bird seen when it was just finished with preening

Eurasian Coot feeding on algae

Eurasian Coot seen from behind, screaming alarm

This one is puffing up its wings and plumage to impress the competition by making itself appear to be bigger

Flock of Eurasian coots in shallow water ; (photo obtained in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009; see credits page for details)

Eurasian Coots making a splash

Caught in the act...

Juvenile Eurasian Coot; note the greyish throat, by which the bird can be identified

In Narrabri by about November the chicks start moving around without adult supervision; here one close to an Australasian Grebe

Here three chicks preening

Here a mum with her chicks out on the water; two are being fed (click on image for larger version showing a third chick)

Breeding information

Breeding season: Aug - Mar Eggs: 5 - 7 Incubation period: 22 - 26 days Fledging age: 28 - 42 days

Given the right conditions (and depending on geographical latitude), Eurasian Coots can breed any time of the year.

Nest

Type: Basket Material: Reeds Height above ground: N/A

The nest can be floating on water, affixed to a plant, or sit on top of a low, flat object, such as e.g. an old reed stump.

Eurasian Coot on its nest, with a tiny little chick; next to the nest a much older chick

Here two youngsters that have probably temporarily returned to their nest

Eggs

Size: 52 x 35 mm Colour: Light-brown, sparsely speckled with mid-brown speckles Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

As opposed to most Moorhens or Swamphens, which are primarily waders, the Eurasian Coot will also dive for food in shallow water.

Eurasian Coot going for a dive

Food

To the best of our knowledge all waterhens are vegetarian. Eurasian Coots feed on reeds and aquatic plants.