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Fulica atra


Fulica atra
Photo Information
Copyright: Siegfried Potrykus (siggi) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1380 W: 56 N: 4759] (16364)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-19
Categories: Birds
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-07-26 9:44
Viewed: 492
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Coot breeds across much of the Old World on freshwater lakes and ponds. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, but migrates further south and west from much of Asia in winter as the waters freeze.
at Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India.The Coot is much less secretive than most of the rail family, and can be seen swimming on open water or walking across waterside grasslands. It is an aggressive species, and strongly territorial during the breeding season.
It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. They do the same, but without actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed in territorial disputes. As with many rails, its weak flight does not inspire confidence, but on migration, usually at night, it can cover surprisingly large distances. It bobs its head as it swims, and makes short dives from a little jump.
The Coot is 36-42 cm long, and is largely black except for the white facial shield (which gave rise to the phrase "as bald as a coot"). As a swimming species, the Coot has partial webbing on its long strong toes.
The juvenile is paler than the adult, has a whitish breast, and lacks the facial shield; the adult black plumage develops when about 3-4 months old, but the white shield is only fully developed at about one year old, some time later.


Male and female Eurasian Coots with nest and three hatchlingsThis species builds a nest of dead reeds and grasses near the water's edge or on underwater obstacles protruding from the water, laying up to 10 eggs, though usually only 3 survive because of the parents brutal behaviour. [1]

Coots can be very brutal to their own young under pressure such as the lack of food. They will bite young that are begging for food and repeatedly do this until it stops begging and starves to death. But if the begging keeps going, then they may even bite so hard that the chick is killed.

The Coot is an omnivore, and will take a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds.

This is a noisy bird with a wide repertoire of crackling, explosive or trumpeting calls, often given at night.

The Eurasian Coot is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
jaycee, nglen, vanderschelden, anel has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1726 W: 0 N: 3927] (15770)
  • [2008-07-26 10:30]

Lieber Siegfried,
Da ich in den Ferien war, habe ich einige deiner Bilder verpasst. Du hast ein gar schönes Foto vom Zitronenfalter, aber ich entscheide mich jetzt für einen Besuch bei diesem rührenden grossfüssigen Wasser-Vögelein. Mir gefällt das Bild sehr.
Einen schönen Abend
Anne

Hello Siegfried,
Strange expression or idiom "as bald as a coot". I don't want to be compared with a coot.:-)
In your image you can see very well its extraordinary toes. Not quite as a Jacana but still...
Furthermore I do like the background and the foreground. More or less the same:-); DOF is very good. The bird is isolated very well.
I'm a bit puzzled about the 'shutter speed' setting.
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2916 W: 34 N: 8651] (32250)
  • [2008-07-26 11:31]

Hi Siegfried . Your picture of the Coot shows the foot with the skin flap so well this is not often seen . good detail and natural colours. well done Interesting notes too.
Nick..

Buen encuadre para esta curiosa ave que yo no conocía. Preciosos tonos.
Saludos Siegfried

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2008-07-26 16:22]

Hi Siggi,

I have never seen a Coot! I love the pose showing off that unusual looking foot. Interesting shot - almost looks like a black and white except for the touches of green.

Jane

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1978 W: 6 N: 5527] (19673)
  • [2008-07-26 16:49]

Hi Sieg,finally something to different on TN! A very nice and unusual bird,i like a lot your work,perfect point of view and focus,have a nice Sunday and thanks for share,Luciano

Hallo Siegfried
Cet oiseau a l'air un peu engourdie
amis la posture et la netteté, sont très bonnes à mon gout
Amicalement
Laurent

This little guy with big foot is lovely
Verry interesting picture.Well done.
Best regards.Alin.

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