Eurasian coot

Latin Fulica atra (L.)
Estonian Lauk

Also known as: common coot, Australian coot

Status in Estonia

Breeding, migratory and wintering bird.

Description

The Eurasian coot is a rail with a round wide body, a short tail and a small round head. The body is ashy grey, the head is black and the beak and forehead are white. The white edge of the bend of the wing is visible in flight. The legs are strong, with long toes and partial webbing. The juvenile’s side head, front neck and chest are greenish-white, but its overall colour is greyish-brown. The chick with fluffy down has black plumage with a red and blue head and a yellowish-brown neck.

Size

Body length 36–42 cm, wingspan 70–80 cm, body mass 600–1200 g.

Similar species

Common moorhen.

Distribution

It is common in the forests, steppes, deserts and subtropical water bodies of Eurasia and North Africa as well as Australia and New Guinea. It is found exclusively in southern part of Scandinavia and is absent from Northern Siberia. It is a frequent breeding bird in Estonia.

Population

Estonia has 1500–3000 breeding pairs.

Occurrence in Estonia

It arrives in March and early April and departs in November/December. The wintering population of the species ranges from 50–2500 birds. At the end of August, a significant number of migrants begin to gather in the reed-rich bays and larger lakes; their numbers peak in October, when 20,000–30,000 birds can be seen in Matsalu’s inner bay.

Diet

It is omnivorous, eating primarily aquatic plants and other small types of live prey found in water.

Habitat

It breeds in vegetated lakes and shallow sea bays but also in larger rivers, sediment pond and reed beds.

Nesting

The nest is built in shallow water or near a body of water and made of dried plant stems. The nest is lined with wet leaves of common reed leaves other plants. When the nest dries, it becomes smooth and shiny. In May, the female lays 5–7 yellowish eggs with little grey spots, which she incubates for around 22 days. Nidifugous chicks can exit the nest shortly after drying. Chicks learn to fly in the second half of July.

Conservation status and protection

Not under protection. The main threat is water pollution. Predatory birds and animals pose a threat to the nest and eggs. The Eurasian coot is a gamebird.

Distribution and population in Lääne County

The Eurasian coot is a common migratory and breeding bird in Lääne County. During migration, Eurasian coots gather in dense flocks of thousands at Matsalu and Haapsalu bays.
Eurasian coots are good to observe in Haapsalu by Tagalaht and in Saunja Bay. They also make frequent stops at Matsalu’s inner bay, where the Keemu observation tower provides the best views.
Eurasian coots nest in reed beds along inland bays and lakes.