Coot hunting begins on 1 September and ends on 28 February of the following year.
- General information about coots: They belong to the rail family Rallidae and are adapted to life near water. They fly only rarely and have a compact body that enables them to move through marshes and dense vegetation.
- The Eurasian coot: Fulica atra is about 40 centimetres long and is characteristically black with a white frontal shield above the bill. It has a short tail, lobed horny toes and red eyes with a black pupil. The bill is straight and long, and the bird weighs between 750 and 900 grams.
- Behaviour: Coots dive faster than many other waterbirds and can remain underwater for up to 16 seconds. They are highly social birds and are often seen in enormous flocks during winter. They are active at night and hide during the day.
- Habitat: They are widely distributed across Europe, except in certain northern areas. They are frequently found on lakes, ponds and in marshes.
- Mating and nesting: They are generally monogamous, although some individuals may have more than one mate. Nests are built along the banks, usually from grass and other plant material. They normally lay eggs twice a year.
- Hunting and diet: Coot hunting begins in September. Their diet ranges from insects, frogs and fish fry to aquatic plants, snails and flowers.
- Natural enemies: Their natural enemies include weasels, polecats and birds of prey such as hawks.
This description provides a complete overview of the coot, its behaviour, habitat and ecology.
Hunting dates and methods are provided for information only. Final dates, permits and conditions are confirmed in accordance with the regulations in force and the rules of the relevant hunting ground.
