Common Coot (Eurasian Coot)
Latin: Fulica atra (Linné 1758)
Svenska: Sothöna
Deutsch: Blässhuhn
Waterfighters
The Eurasian coot can have very violent fights where the birds come at each other in the water. The coots shriek and water flies in all directions! This bird eats insects, small snails, and aquatic plants.
The Eurasian coot lives by nutrient-rich lakes and ocean bays throughout Uppland. In Linnaeus’ time they also lived near Mälaren, though they were considerably rarer in those days. They were so rare, in fact, that Linneaus suggested ‘he who happens to catch one should send it to the Science Academy or submit a detailed description!’ Today, though, it is much easier to see Eurasian coots. You can head over to Dalkarlskärret in April or May to catch a glimpse of one.
Eurasian coots migrate to the southern Baltic Sea and Western Europe from September to November, returning in late March or April.
Photo: Luc Viatour ©
Latest sightings of Eurasian coots in Uppland
Video of Eurasian coots fighting (Youtube)
NatureGate on Eurasian coot
Wikipedia article on the Eurasian coot