Fulica armillata
The Red-gartered Coot (Fulica armillata) is a striking and robust aquatic bird native to southern South America, easily recognized by its distinctive coloration and assertive demeanor. Measuring 45-50 cm (17.7-19.7 in) in length and weighing 800-1200 g (1.8-2.6 lb), this coot features a sleek slate-grey to black body with contrasting bright white under-tail coverts. Its most iconic field mark is the vivid red 'garter' band encircling the upper tibia, visible against its olive-green or olive-y...
Found primarily in freshwater wetlands, including lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, marshes, and lagoons, often with dense emergent vegetation. Prefers low to moderate elevations, rarely found in high mountain lakes.
Primarily herbivorous, consuming a wide variety of aquatic vegetation, including algae, seeds, leaves, and shoots. Supplements its diet with aquatic insects, larvae, small mollusks, and occasionally small fish or eggs of other birds.
Red-gartered Coots are predominantly diurnal, spending their days foraging in open water or along the margins, and typically roosting among dense vegetation at night. They employ diverse foraging strategies, dabbling their heads and necks in shallow water, grazing on submerged and emergent vegeta...
The Red-gartered Coot is widely distributed across the southern half of South America, primarily inhabiting temperate and subtropical wetlands. Its breeding range encompasses central and southern Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil, extending as far north as São Paulo state. ...
Least Concern
- The 'red garter' marking that gives this coot its name is one of the most distinctive leg markings among all bird species, and is almost always visible, even at a distance. - Unlike ducks, coots possess lobed toes rather than fully webbed feet; these lobes expand with each stroke, acting like p...