In nature, there are 2 species of black ducks, one of which man has not been able to tame. The latter includes the coot, or waterfowl. Among the features of this black duck with a white beak is its unusual appearance. The bird prefers to spend most of its time on land near a body of water in which reeds grow. The bird is not large in size, but remains noticeable even from afar.
Description and features of black ducks with white beaks
The reason why the black duck is called the coot is because the bird has a white growth on the front of its head that resembles a receding hairline. This waterfowl belongs to the rail family and the crane-like order. In addition to the characteristic stripe above the nose, the coot is distinguished by the following features:
- strong body;
- the weight of an adult bird reaches 1.5 kilograms;
- body length is 35-40 centimeters;
- a medium-sized head with eyes framed by bright red irises;
- shortened tail;
- yellow-orange paws with gray toes;
- black or dark gray plumage color.
The distinctive features of coots include a shortened and pointed beak, designed for catching fish. This feature is not typical for domesticated ducks.
The bird has short wings, which the coot has to actively flap during flight. But, despite this feature, black duck capable of covering long distances.
Coot habitat
Black ducks with white foreheads are found mainly in temperate climates. These birds are found in the countries:
- Africa;
- North America;
- Europe;
- Asia.
Coots also live in Russia. Black ducks are found in northern latitudes. But the birds living here fly in the fall to warmer regions with non-freezing reservoirs.
Nutrition and habits
Wild white-billed ducks spend most of their time on land. However, birds look for food in water. Coots are able to dive quickly and deeply, and thanks to their pointed beaks, ducks are more likely to successfully catch fish.These birds fly worse. Coots mainly take to the air at a time of danger or during flight to warm regions. The basis of the diet of these birds is:
- growls;
- river algae;
- hornwort;
- pondweed;
- duckweed.
Fish makes up up to 5% of the diet. During the cold season, this figure increases due to:
- shellfish;
- fish roe;
- fry;
- aquatic insects.
Coots live in compact flocks, within which pairs are constantly formed. During the mating season, the birds settle separately from each other. After the birth of the offspring, the drake and duck search for food. In this case, one of the birds is constantly in the nest, protecting the offspring from predators or other members of the flock. Strong coots often steal freshly caught prey from their relatives.
Young ducks rarely attack the nests of other birds. This is explained by the fact that birds need protein during the growth period.
Reproduction and lifespan
The breeding season for this bird begins at the end of February or March. If coots live in northern latitudes, then ducks have offspring no earlier than April. During this period, bird activity increases. Females make loud sounds in order to attract males, while drakes make low and deaf sounds. While searching for partners, ducks begin to swim quickly, throwing up splashes of water on their wings. After pairing, a courtship period begins when the birds preen their partner's feathers and share food.
The coot's nest is built on the shore, securing the walls to the reeds. Grass and feathers are used to make a brood site. Both partners take part in the construction of the nest. The diameter of the outlet reaches 40 centimeters with a wall height of 20 centimeters.During this period, coots become aggressive towards other members of the flock. Therefore, nests are located at a distance of over 30 meters.
On average, an adult duck lays 7-12 eggs. Both partners are involved in planting. At the same time, it is not uncommon for a coot to throw eggs into other nests. The chicks hatch after 22 days. The young grow stronger within 7-11 weeks. During this period, the chicks learn to fly and find food on their own. Subsequently, the young animals form small groups, with which the ducks fly away for the winter in the first year of life. The chicks reach sexual maturity the following spring.
In regions with a warm climate, black ducks lay up to four clutches, in a cold climate - up to two.
The lifespan of coots depends on the place and characteristics of their residence. Most old registered black duck turned out to be an individual who died at the age of 18 years.
Natural enemies
Despite the presence of a non-standard color, it is not the adults, but the young that are most at risk in the wild. White-headed chicks are preyed upon by peregrine falcons, eagles, gulls, ravens and peregrine falcons. Also a threat to chicks and eggs are:
- wild boars;
- otters;
- muskrats;
- ferrets;
- minks;
- foxes.
Changeable weather poses a danger to coots. Due to the fact that the mating period occurs at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the night frosts characteristic of this period can kill unborn chicks. Floods that flood nests located near water bodies also create problems.
