Common coot

Scientific name: Fulica atra

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Fulica atra is a dark slate-grey to black water bird with a distinctive white frontal shield and pale bill. Adults measure approximately 35–38 cm and are recognizable by their compact body, short tail, and lobed toes rather than webbed feet.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 600–900 g (males slightly heavier); body length 35–38 cm.

Habitat

Common coots inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers with emergent vegetation and open water. They favour shallow waters with reed beds, bulrushes, and submerged aquatic plants.

Distribution

Common coots are widespread across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and Australia. They favour lowland and temperate wetlands, typically below 1500 m, with populations moving southward or to coastal areas in severe winters.

Diet

Coots are omnivorous foragers, grazing on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and shoots, supplemented with invertebrates, small fish, and carrion depending on seasonal availability.

Behaviour

Coots are highly territorial, vocal birds most active during dawn and dusk, though diurnal feeding is common. They are gregarious outside breeding season, forming loose flocks and moving between waterbodies, particularly in winter.

Hunting tips

Scout water margins for fresh droppings and grazing trails through emergent vegetation; listen for characteristic loud calls indicating roosting or feeding groups. Approach downwind across open water or from reed cover during dawn and dusk when birds are feeding actively in shallows. Use water or natural cover for concealment; coots flush readily but often return quickly to favoured feeding grounds.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 9 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.