Eurasian Coot

Eurasian Coot

Fulica atra

Korchay State Nature Reserve

A species of bird belonging to the family of Cattlemen of the order of Cranes of the order of birds. It is a nesting, migratory and wintering bird in Azerbaijan. It lives in large and small lakes, reedy lakes, river mouths, and reservoirs. It is found along the Caspian coast, in the Kura-Araz, Samur-Devachi plains, in the foothills and in the Gizilaghaj National Park.

Its body length is 36–38 cm, weight 0.4–1.1 kg, its color is velvety black, its belly is grayish. It has a bare white skin wattle on its forehead. The swimming webs on its fingers are very characteristic. Its beak is conical and white. It dives well into the water and swims, rarely coming out to land. When it senses danger in the water, it emerges and hides in the reeds.

The spring migration of the Kashgaldag occurs in March-April. Pairs build a flat nest of reeds and leaves among reeds, bulrushes, and water reeds. In early April, they lay 6-9 (sometimes 15) grayish-ocher eggs. Nesting groups leave their places in October and November. They feed on aquatic plants, rarely invertebrates, and small fish.