Eurasian Coot

Fulica atra is a naturally colonising waterbird now established in New Zealand. It differs from pūkeko through its black body, white bill and shield, and lobed rather than very long toes. Adults are sooty black with a bright white bill and frontal shield. The eyes are red, and the feet have broad lobes along each toe.

It is established locally on lakes and ponds across both main islands. Open water beside vegetated margins provides feeding and nesting habitat. It dives and dabbles for aquatic plants and invertebrates and grazes on shore. Territorial pairs build bulky platform nests among vegetation.

The New Zealand classification is Naturally Uncommon. Lake Rotorua, Lake Hayes and Christchurch’s Travis Wetland often provide good views.