Red-knobbed Coot

Afrikaans name: Bleshoender

Red-knobbed Coot

Photo © Steven Herbert

Fulica cristata

The Red-knobbed Coot is found over most of the southern half of Africa and also some parts of southern Europe.

It is a common bird on dams and ponds and is normally seen on the water. It has a small bit of webbing on its tows which assists when paddling.

The main food of the Red-knobbed Coot is weeds which it gets by diving under water. It will take small animals or eggs if the opportunity arises.

The pair make a nest out of reeds and other plants on the water. It is normally next to a clump of reeds or other vegetation.

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 164

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 32

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 72

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 24

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 80

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 409

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 203

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 200

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 144

List of South African Birds