Eurasian coots have a distinct patch on their forehead, which is nothing but a featherless spot; the American coots, however, have a feathery red spot. Some experts think that the phrase ‘as bald as a coot’ may have been coined from this featherless spot on the Eurasian coots.

Though they can swim well like a duck, their feet are not webbed (toes joined by a thin layer of skin) like that of a duck. Coots have long lobed toes on each foot which help them to walk on uneven muddy ground and also swim in water.

They are also called ‘marsh hen’ or ‘mud hen’ because they bob their heads while walking and swimming like the ‘moor hen’. (‘bob’ = to move up and down)

Coots like to steal food from other birds, rather than hunt or find for themselves!