Common Coot

Fulica atra (Linnaeus, 1758)

		spring plumage autumn plumage juvenile
2010-06-26 Aspara, Merke region, Zhambyl oblast 2007-08-27 Temirtau, Karaganda oblast2011-07-18 Shokpar, Aktogai region, Pavlodar oblast	© Askar Isabekov © Askar Isabekov© Oleg Lyakhov

Distribution

Breeds everywhere in plains of Kazakhstan except the waterless lands. In mountains breeds on Markakol lake. On migration occurs everywhere. Wintering in south of Kazakhstan, in January 1970 about 300 Coots noticed in Syrdaya delta and about 100 on Chardra reservoir. On Sorbulak lake near Almaty two birds recorded 15 December 2002.

Biology

Numerous breeding migrant. Inhabits the fresh and salty lakes, pounds and low-current rivers, with the reed-beds or bush thickets. In spring appears by flocks in mid-March – April in southern regions, or in April – early May in northern ones. Migration finishes in mid-end May. Pairs formed in breeding sites. Breeds in pairs not far one from another. Nest is built by both parents in reed-beds from the leaves of reed and other plants, and thoroughly sheltered by surrounding vegetation. Clutch of 5-12, usually 7-9 eggs in laid in May – early June. Both male and female incubate clutch and care for chicks. Chicks hatch in June – July. Some nests flooded with water due to strong winds or hunted by Marsh Harrier, so many pairs are forced to re-nest. After moulting adults and juveniles join in large flocks at plenty food places. Autumn migration begins in September; the mass migration is from mid-September to mid-October. On waters freezing the last birds disappear, but on unfreezing waters odd birds stay until early–mid November.

Subspecies

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. В.К.Рябицев. "Птицы Урала, Приуралья и Западной Сибири". Екатеринбург. Изд-во Уральского университета, 2000.