Eurasian coot

The coot is a dark, duck-like bird with a striking white beak and forehead patch. It lives across Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa, often paddling in ponds and lakes. Unlike ducks, it has long toes that help it walk on floating plants.

• Its white beak and forehead shield make it easy to spot.
• Both male and female coots look nearly identical.
• It belongs to the rail family, which includes marsh-dwelling birds.