Start of coot migration

Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
 
Matsalu reed beds. Coots and reeds
 
Coot    Lauk     Fulica atra
 
As the earlier Estonian name vesikana, ”water hen”, says, it does actually remind rather of a hen; it  nests in vegetation-filled water bodies with open patches of water – quite secretive, rarely comes up on land and in case of danger hides quickly in dense vegetation.
 
When the red eye iris, white beak and white forehead streak are discounted, the round the adult coots with their silkily black and glossy plumage and short tail look alike independent of sex. The white forehead shield of males may seem larger when a quietly busy coot group in the reeds is studied by binoculars, and they weigh a little more than the females and juveniles – up to a kilo. The plumage of juveniles turns black in autumn, at 3-4 months of age, but the white species characteristics we will see on them only in autumn next year (see lower photo).
 
In order to rise into flight they pick up speed for a long distance, accompanied by foot splatter and always against the wind but the flight view is nice as that of ducks. When needed, coots can even dive: the bird compresses the feathers, so squeezing out air, which allows them to stay under water somewhat longer. In terms of food they are all-eaters – aquatic plants as well as creatures…
 
An estimate of the autumn migration numbers is somewhere around 90 000 birds. Large flocks gather in Haapsalu Tagalaht, Matsalu, Väike Väin, Kuressaare Bay, also the lakes of Vooremaa. From the northern areas passing migrants start to arrive towards the end of August.
 
Coot observations: LINK
 
Coot (young bird)


 

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