Common Moorhen vs Eurasian Coot

In short

The Common Moorhen and Eurasian Coot are both waterbirds found in similar habitats, but they can be distinguished by their bill and frontal shield coloration. The Common Moorhen has a red bill with a yellow tip and a red frontal shield, while the Eurasian Coot features a white bill and frontal shield. Both species are of similar size, but the Coot is generally bulkier.

Identification tips

1. Look for the bill and frontal shield color: red with a yellow tip for the Moorhen, white for the Coot. 2. Note the presence of a white flank stripe on the Moorhen. 3. Observe behavior: tail flicking is typical of the Moorhen, while diving is common for the Coot. 4. Listen for vocal differences: Moorhen's shrieks and clucks vs. Coot's raucous calls.

Size

Both species are of similar size, but the Eurasian Coot is generally bulkier and more robust than the Common Moorhen.

Plumage

The Common Moorhen has sooty black plumage with browner upperparts and a prominent white flank stripe, while the Eurasian Coot is uniformly dark grey to black without the white flank stripe.

Behaviour

The Common Moorhen often flicks its tail while foraging, revealing white undertail coverts. The Eurasian Coot is more likely to be seen diving and upending in water.

Habitat

Both species inhabit a range of freshwater habitats, but the Eurasian Coot is more tolerant of human-altered environments like urban ponds.

Voice

The Common Moorhen produces a variety of vocalizations including shrieks and clucks, whereas the Eurasian Coot's calls are raucous and complex, often varying with context.