What is the difference between a Eurasian Coot and a Red-Knobbed Coot?
The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) has a wider distribution, because it is native to Europe, Asia, Australia, and northern Africa.
The Red-Knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata) is native to Africa and southern Spain.
The Eurasian Coot does not have red knobs on its head. The Red-Knobbed Coot has two small red knobs on its head.
Eurasian Coot (left) and Red-Knobbed Coot (right)
The Eurasian Coot and the Red-Knobbed Coot are almost identical in their rounded body, black feathers, darker black face, short tail, creamy-grey beak, white frontal shield, and grey partially-webbed toes.
The Eurasian Coot and the Red-Knobbed Coot grow to 38-45 centimetres (15-18 inches) tall.
The Eurasian Coot and the Red-Knobbed Coot both belong to the Rail family and the Crake family.
Eurasian Coot
Red-Knobbed Coot
Red-Knobbed Coot
Red-Knobbed Coot
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM