Eurasian coot

Description:

The Eurasian Coot, also known as Coot, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Africa. The Eurasian Coot is recognised by its 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. The Eurasian Coot is 32–42 cm long and weighs 585–1,100 g. Nestlings are downy, black with fine yellow tips. The head is orange-red and the bill is red with a cream-white tip.

Habitat:

The Coot breeds across much of the Old World on freshwater lakes and ponds. It occurs and breeds in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The species has recently expanded its range into New Zealand. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, but migrates further south and west from much of Asia in winter as the waters freeze. In Australia the Eurasian Coot is common in suitably vegetated lagoons and swamps. Birds are less common in the north and in the drier regions.

Notes:

Spotted on a flood plain of the Ijssel river in rural area of Deventer, Holland.