The
Eurasian coot (
Fulica atra), also known as the common coot, or Australian coot, is a species of bird in the family
Rallidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and parts of North Africa. The Eurasian coot is much less secretive than most of the rail family and can be seen swimming on open water or walking across waterside grasslands. It is an aggressive species, and strongly territorial during the breeding season, with both parents involved in territorial defence. This juvenile Eurasian coot was photographed in
Marais Audomarois, a biosphere reserve in
Saint-Omer-Capelle, France.
Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp
