Coots have a white forehead shield . . .
. . . and amazing feet.
Also called Common or Eurasian Coot to distinguish from other global (especially American) species,
they are related to Moorhens and Water Rails.
The nominal subspecies is native to much of temperate Eurasia and North Africa, with other subspecies
prevalent in Indonesia/Australasia.
They are argumentative birds in the breeding season and will raise their wings like a tent to appear bigger to bluff opponents.
Males will even chase large fish away from their nesting territory.