The Eurasian coot

A Eurasian coot is seen floating on the lake at Honghu Park, Luohu District. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The Eurasian coot

The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), a medium-sized waterbird, has a black plumage with a subtle iridescent sheen. It has a robust body, a white bill with a distinctive white frontal shield, and vibrant red eyes. Its legs are strong and equipped with lobed toes, enabling it to swim and navigate through the water with agility.

白骨顶(拉丁学名Fulica atra)，是一种中型水鸟，羽毛全黑泛金属色光泽；体型强壮，喙白色，头部具显眼的白色额甲，虹膜鲜红色；腿部强健，趾具分离的瓣蹼，这种身体构造使其能矫健地在水中游走。

This adaptable species can be observed in various aquatic habitats, including lakes, ponds, marshes, and even urban water bodies such as parks and reservoirs. It thrives in freshwater and brackish environments.

本物种适应力强，人们可以在湖泊、池塘、草沼，甚至城市水体等诸多水生栖息地发现它们，能够适应淡水及半咸水生境。

A Eurasian coot is seen floating on the lake at Honghu Park, Luohu District.

Although the Eurasian coot is primarily a resident species, the individuals found in Shenzhen are occasional travelers. They establish year-round territories within their preferred habitats and do not undertake long-distance migrations. However, it may occasionally make short-distance movements within the region in response to changes in food availability or habitats.

白骨顶大多为留鸟，只有少部分个体会迁徙并选择在深圳停留。留鸟个体会终年居住在栖息地，不进行长距离迁徙，只有在食物来源和栖息地环境改变的情况下，才会导致本物种出现在同一片地区中的短距离迁徙行为。

A Eurasian coot is seen floating on the lake at Honghu Park, Luohu District.

Its breeding season typically occurs during spring and summer. Mated pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays and are usually aggressive toward rivals. Nest-building is a collective effort, with both parents participating. These nests are constructed from plant materials, often near water bodies.

白骨顶的繁殖季节一般在春季和夏季。成对的白骨顶会进行复杂的求偶行为，并会对踏入领地的竞争者颇具敌意。巢由雄鸟和雌鸟共同完成，巢材多用植物材料，取于白骨顶栖息的水体周边。

The female lays a clutch of up to 10 eggs, which she incubates for about three weeks. The hatchlings are covered in black down and can leave the nest after a short time. Both parents contribute to the care and protection of the young, providing them with food and guidance until they are independent.

雌鸟每窝产卵可达10枚，孵化约三周。雏鸟甫一出生全身便具黑色绒羽，因其为早成鸟，所以破壳不久便能离开巢自由活动。雄鸟和雌鸟共同抚育和保护幼鸟，给它们喂食，教导它们生存技能，直到幼鸟能够独立生活。

A Eurasian coot is seen floating on the lake at Honghu Park, Luohu District.

The omnivorous bird feeds onvarious plants, including aquatic vegetation, seeds, and fruits. It also actively forages for small aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, mollusks, and crustaceans, helping regulate their populations and ensuring a balanced ecosystem. They serve as prey for larger predators, and contribute to their habitats’ overall biodiversity.

白骨顶是杂食性的鸟类，以水生植物、种子、水果等为食，也热衷捕食小型水生无脊椎动物，比如昆虫、软体、甲壳类动物。这有助于控制昆虫数量，以保证生态系统的平衡。同时白骨顶也是大型捕食者的猎物，丰富了它们栖息地整体的生物多样性。(Xu Zixuan)