Australian Coot Pictures - Photos (4 images)

New Zealand had two endemic coots, now extinct. In the later 20th century the Australian coot (Fulica atra australis) has become established. It was first recorded breeding in 1958 on Lake Hayes, in Otago. By 2005, around 2,000 were scattered on lakes throughout both main islands.

The bird is one of four subspecies of the Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), which is native to Europe, northern Africa, Asia and greater Australasia. The Australian coot breeds in Australia and New Zealand....
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New Zealand had two endemic coots, now extinct. In the later 20th century the Australian coot (Fulica atra australis) has become established. It was first recorded breeding in 1958 on Lake Hayes, in Otago. By 2005, around 2,000 were scattered on lakes throughout both main islands.

The bird is one of four subspecies of the Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), which is native to Europe, northern Africa, Asia and greater Australasia. The Australian coot breeds in Australia and New Zealand. It is a protected self-introduced native.

Coots dive to gather aquatic plants or invertebrates, which they bring back to the surface to swallow. They also graze ashore. Shallow bays on medium-sized lakes with plenty of raupo (bulrush) and other shelter are their usual habitat, but they also visit lakes in urban parks. Most long-distance flying is done at night.

Coots make floating nests of twigs and raupo attached to lake vegetation such as willow, and usually raise two clutches. After breeding they gather in large flocks.
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