Crested Coot

Fulica cristata

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Brief #

Largely black except for the white frontal shield.

Synonyms #

  • Focha moruna (Spanish)
  • Galo de auga cristado (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Crested Coot is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Largely black except for the white frontal shield. It has partial webbing on its long strong toes. 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 black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, whereas in Eurasian it comes to a point; and the bill has a bluish grey tinge. The juvenile is paler than the adult, has a whitish breast, and lacks the facial shield; the adult's black plumage develops when about 3–4 months old, but the white shield is only fully developed at about one year old

Measurements #

Length: 38 - 45 cm
Wingspan: 75 - 85 cm
Weight: 0.585 - 1.085 kg

Similar species #