Coot | Hainault Forest

Coot

Fulica atra

Coots are omnivorous, but mainly feed on plant material. They have a preference for shallow vegetated lakes. They dive to find small invertebrates and usually surface with their catch before eating. This can sometimes leads to squabbles with others over food. Cootlings are tended by both parents and leave the nest after 3 or 4 days. They are totally independent after about 8 weeks. A group of Coots is called a 'cover', or 'covert'.

Birds