Eurasian coot / Blässhuhn (Fulica atra)

Eurasian coot in the rain. 2025-04-21 09:29:12 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge

Observations

First documented observation: 2020-04-14 in Wald Fehraltorf. Most recent observation: 2026-03-24 in Magadino.

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]
Deutschland: Brut-, Jahres-, Zugvogel, Wintergast
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: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song attributes: Frequency:
XC841364 - Eurasian Coot song - Fulica atra. ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC841364 - Eurasian Coot song - Fulica atra.mp3 (song)


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.

XC902440 - Eurasian Coot squeaky call - Fulica atra. ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC902440 - Eurasian Coot squeaky call - Fulica atra.mp3 (call)


Call attributes: Call melody: one note, slow, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz), Special sounds: weird.