Red-knobbed Coot
The Red-knobbed Coot or Crested Coot is largely black except for the white beak and “shield” above the beak. A good view is necessary to separate this species from the much commoner Eurasian Coot with which its 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 habits of the Red-knobbed Coot are practically identical to those of the Eurasian Coot. It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. It also does the same, but without actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed. It bobs its head as it swims and makes short dives from a little jump.
The Red-knobbed Coot is a resident breeder across much of Africa while Spain is also important as the only European country supporting a remnant and partly reintroduced population where it is restricted to a few sites in Andalucía in the south. The population is threatened in Spain and Morocco (the northernmost range extremes) primarily by habitat loss and degradation.
The Red-knobbed Coot can be found in wetlands with submerged aquatic vegetation and still water for foraging and waters with fringing or emergent vegetation in which to nest when breeding.
Date: 1st May 2012
Location: Cañada de Rianzuela, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain
The habits of the Red-knobbed Coot are practically identical to those of the Eurasian Coot. It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. It also does the same, but without actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed. It bobs its head as it swims and makes short dives from a little jump.
The Red-knobbed Coot is a resident breeder across much of Africa while Spain is also important as the only European country supporting a remnant and partly reintroduced population where it is restricted to a few sites in Andalucía in the south. The population is threatened in Spain and Morocco (the northernmost range extremes) primarily by habitat loss and degradation.
The Red-knobbed Coot can be found in wetlands with submerged aquatic vegetation and still water for foraging and waters with fringing or emergent vegetation in which to nest when breeding.
Date: 1st May 2012
Location: Cañada de Rianzuela, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain
|
Also in: South and west Spain - April and May 2012
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |