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Animal profile

Eurasian Coot

Fulica atra

AvesLakes, reservoirs, slow rivers, gravel pits and large ponds with vegetated marginsLeast Concern

Field profile

The Eurasian coot is a sooty-black waterbird with a white bill and white frontal shield above it. It dives for aquatic plants and invertebrates and defends territory aggressively. Unlike ducks it has no webbed feet; each toe carries a series of stiff flaps, and it is notoriously quarrelsome with neighbours.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-06-03

Eurasian Coot

The coot swims on lobed toes, not webbed feet

A coot looks like a small black duck but is a rail. Its toes are not joined by webbing; each carries a row of stiff flaps that spread on the backstroke and fold on the recovery, and that also work well for walking on soft ground.

Read with evidence →

Eurasian Coot | Daily Animal Facts