Coot Behaviour

[riggy]

Hello

Noticed this behaviour on a local lake by Coots
Is this a courtship/territorial behaviour or just normal "swimming"
More than one Coot was doing this and in groups of 4 or 5




Cheers

Paul

[Ukwildlifeo]

Its territorial displays. This can be followed by an all out fight if they get too close.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

Its territorial displays. This can be followed by an all out fight if they get too close.

Yes, can be fun watching these often very noisy, territorial skirmishes. They also tend to have a go at any Moorhens in the vicinity too!

[riggy]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

Its territorial displays. This can be followed by an all out fight if they get too close.

Cheers

i have seen the fights before but not the preceding behaviour I have also seen Coots and Moorhens fight as well

Just found these pics from the same lake in October 2009 showing a spat I am sure there was a submerged Coot in the second pic



Paul