Andean Coot vs Red-fronted Coot

Andean Coot

Fulica ardesiaca

Large988 gWetland

The Andean coot is 40 to 43 cm (16 to 17 in) long. It has two color morphs that are present in both subspecies. Both morphs are mostly slaty gray that is blacker on the head and neck. Their secondaries usually have white tips. One morph has a chrome yellow bill that is paler yellow and sometimes green on the tip, a deep chesnut frontal shield, and green legs and feet. The other has a white bill, a white to orange-yellow frontal shield, and slaty legs and feet. Voice: The Andean coot's usual call is "a low 'churr' or harder 'hrrp'" that is often repeated. Females make a "low chitter".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ruth Gutiérrez Oliveros · CC0

Red-fronted Coot

Fulica rufifrons

Large644 gWetland

The red-fronted coot is 38 to 43 cm (15 to 17 in) long. Male specimens can weigh between 685 and 735 g (24 and 26 oz) and females can weigh around 550 g (19 oz). The sexes are alike. Adults have a yellow bill, a dark chestnut-red frontal shield, and olive legs and feet. Unique among coots, their feet are not lobed. Their plumage is almost entirely dark slate gray except for white undertail coverts. Juveniles have a blackish bill, white spots on the throat, and gray-brown plumage with the same white undertail coverts as adults. Voice: The red-fronted coot makes a "long, chattering series of calls, described as 'togo togo togo..., cu cu cu..., puhúh puhúh puhúh...', etc." It also has a "tuc" alarm call.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: nebrooks · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Andean Coot and Red-fronted Coot.