Coots , are medium-sized water birds which are members of the rail family Rallidae. They constitute the genus Fulica. Coots have predominantly black plumage, and, unlike many of the rails, they are usually easy to see, often swimming in open water. They are close relatives of the moorhen.
They have prominent frontal shields or other decoration on the forehead, and coloured bills, and many, but not all, have white on the under tail. Like other rails, they have lobed toes.
They tend to have short, rounded wings and are weak fliers.
Coots can walk and run vigorously on strong legs, and have long toes that are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces.
