Giant Coot
NameGiant Coot
Common NameGiant Coot
Scientific NameFulica gigantea
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)56
Weight (g)2600
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is uniformly sooty black to dark grey across the body, head, and neck. It features a prominent, large, bright yellow frontal shield that extends onto the bill, which is also yellow with a distinct reddish tip. The legs and feet are bright orange-red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include loud, harsh, honking, and cackling calls, often described as guttural and resonant.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, typically inhabiting large, often saline or brackish, high-altitude lakes.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size for a coot, Uniformly dark grey/black plumage, Bright yellow frontal shield and bill with red tip, Bright orange-red legs and feet, Found in high-altitude Andean lakes
Description
The Giant Coot is a very large, dark-bodied coot found in high-altitude Andean lakes. It is characterized by its distinctive bright yellow frontal shield and bill with a reddish tip, and its robust build. This species is known for building massive floating nests from aquatic vegetation.
