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The giant coot is a species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The giant coot is the second largest extant member of family Rallidae, after the takahē of New Zealand. Adults are 48 to 59 cm (19 to 23 in) long. They weigh about 2,000 to 2,500 g (4.4 to 5.5 lb) and are too heavy to fly, though immature birds are smaller and readily fly. The sexes are alike. Adults have a bulky body and a disproportionately small head. Their plumage is deep slaty gray that is blacker on the head and neck. Their undertail coverts have some white streaking. Voice: Male giant coots make "alternating gobbling or laughing 'houehouhouhouhoou' and low, growling 'hrr' or 'horr' sounds". Females make "low, crackling 'chee-jrrrh' low squeaking or cracking sounds"; when with a male they also make a "soft 'hi-hirr hirrr hirrr...'".
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Giant Coot lives
When to see the Giant Coot
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Hawaiian CootFulica alaiThe ʻAlae keʻokeʻo, also known as the Hawaiian coot in English, is a bird in the rail family, Rallidae, that is endemic to Hawaii.
Andean CootFulica ardesiacaThe Andean coot is 40 to 43 cm (16 to 17 in) long.
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