Coot or moorhen?

SpikyPhasmid · #1 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 07:01 AM

I think this is a young coot because of the greyish look and the white under the face, but I read that they have grey beaks. Does anyone know which it is?

Lance Morgan · #2 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 07:44 AM

reddish beak - young moorhen

nikolai_avenger · #3 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 07:46 AM

It is a coot, I think. From personal experience I think the bill colour can be quite variable.. (?) as have seen quite a few with different colours/shades.

Regards, Nik.

faz · #4 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 07:54 AM

hello all i think its a moorhen

SpikyPhasmid · #5 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 08:02 AM

Interesting. Sounds like I should maybe revise my original coot ideas.

Edit: unless Nikolai is right, of course, I was going with the majority, is all.

nikolai_avenger · #6 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 08:39 AM

I would go with the majority if I was you.

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 09:43 AM

Morning Spiky,

Young Moorhen for me, too - juvenile Coots tend to have paler heads/necks with grey bills from what I've seen.

Take care,

Jason

RobS · #8 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 10:07 AM

100% moorhen

RKB · #9 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 10:28 AM

It's definitely a Coot.

Ignore the beak, look at the breast/neck. Coots have white chins, necks and breasts, Moorhens have much less white on the front, usually just the chin.

Moorhen: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-GAgLmyH1J...oorhenTHL0.jpg

Coot: Photo: Juvenile coot in spring time in the water © pwollinga #14966739