Eurasian coot / Blässhuhn (Fulica atra)

Eurasian coot in the rain. 2025-04-21 09:29:12 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge Canon EOS R7 200-800mm Shutter speed 8.625
ISO 250
Exposure 1/400

Observations

First documented observation: 2020-04-14 in Wald Fehraltorf. Most recent observation: 2025-04-21 in Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge.

Description

Classification: Genus Coots (Fulica); Family Rails (Rallidae)
General:The Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), also known as the common coot, or Australian coot, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and parts of North Africa. It has a slaty-black body, a glossy black head and a white bill with a white frontal shield. The sexes are similar. [more]
Vocalization:Varied. Usually short, metallic and explosive. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=36-38 cm, wingspan=70-80 cm, weight=600-1000 g
Habitats: River and lake

Vocalisation

Song: Automatically generated from Xeno-Canto recording.
Song attributes: Frequency:
XC841364 - Eurasian Coot song - Fulica atra.
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Calls: Calls:Most diagnostic call a very short, sharp and explosive "tsk". Sometimes a longer, less sharp but nasal "caw", with varying harshness. [Link]

XC902440 - Eurasian Coot squeaky call - Fulica atra.
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Call attributes: Call melody: one note, slow, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz), Special sounds: weird.