Red-knobbed Coots or Crested Coots
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The Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata) belongs to the rail and crake family. Their distribution range incudes much of Africa and the southernmost part of Spain. They like freshwater lakes and ponds.
Description:
The Red-knobbed Coot is largely black except for the white facial shield. As a swimming species, it has partial webbing on its long strong toes.
The juvenile is paler than the adult, has a whitish breast, and lacks the facial shield. They adult plumage develops when they about 3 to 4 months old, but the white shield is only fully developed at about one year of age.
This species is easily confused with the Eurasian Coot as their range overlaps. There are two tiny red knobs at the top of the facial shield, which are not visible at any great distance and are only present in the breeding season; the black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, whereas in Eurasian it comes to a point; and the bill has a bluish grey tinge.
Breeding / Nesting:
These Coots builds their nests on dead reeds near the water's edge or afloat. The female lays up to 8 eggs. This is an aggressive species, and very territorial during the breeding season.
Diet:
This Coot is an omnivore and will take a variety of small live prey, including the eggs of other water birds.
Song / Call:
Its vocalisations include a fast kerrre and a harsh ka-haa.
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