Bird Guide

Giant Coot

Fulica gigantea

Least ConcernPlantsWetlandPlatform nestHuge · 2.4 kg

About the Giant Coot

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

Regular range

When to see the Giant Coot

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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