Australian Coot

Fulica atra australis

Description:

The Australian Coot is a subspecies of the Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), and is a member of the rail family Rallidae. Coots are recognised by their snowy white bill and forehead shield. The remainder of the bird is dark sooty grey, except for its bright red eye. Immature birds are generally paler than adults with a white wash on the throat. Nestlings are downy, black with fine yellow tips. The head is orange-red and the bill is red with a cream-white tip. Coots have big feet, and that's very handy when you're a waterbird. (see notes) PS: These were shy birds, so close-up photos were beyond the realm of my pocket camera. I also thought at first glance that these birds were Australasian grebes. It's a while since I've coots in large numbers.

Habitat:

Spotted on freshwater Lake Broadwater, which forms part of the Lake Broadwater Conservation Park.... https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/lake-... This is a very flat area in a region known as the Darling Downs. NB: Just a little over 12 months ago and this lake was completely dry due to the massive drought that Australia experienced. It's wonderful to see how the lake and surrounding bushland has recovered. Birdlife was abundant.