Red-fronted Coot

Overview

The red-fronted coot (Fulica rufifrons) is a waterbird belonging to the rail family, Rallidae. It is characterised by its distinctive dark chestnut-red frontal shield and dark slate-grey plumage, and is classified as a species of Least Concern.

Identification

• Adults measure 38 to 43 cm in length, with males weighing between 685 and 735 g and females around 550 g, while sexes appear alike.
• Plumage is almost entirely dark slate grey, contrasted by a yellow bill, a dark chestnut-red frontal shield, and olive legs and feet.
• Uniquely among coots, this species lacks lobed feet.
• Juveniles differ by having a blackish bill, white throat spots, and grey-brown plumage, though they retain the white undertail coverts of adults.

Habitat

Found coastally from southern Peru to central Chile, and extending through Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, this bird primarily inhabits lowland areas between sea level and 800 m. It favours the shallows of semi-open marshes and reedy lakes, particularly those containing floating vegetation such as duckweed, though it can be found at higher altitudes in specific locations like Bolivia.

Diet

Feeding mostly on the surface by pecking at vegetation, the red-fronted coot also dives for submerged food and occasionally grazes on land when marshes dry seasonally. It typically forages in small flocks that may include red-gartered coots.

Did you know?

The species is subject to significant brood parasitism by the black-headed duck (Heteronetta atricapilla), which lays eggs in its nests.