An Australian coot with its distinctive bright red eye and white frontal lobe. Photo: Matthew Cattin

Australian coot

June 2019

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June 2019

The Australian coot is a fairly recent arrival to New Zealand and is related to the pukeko and takahē. These birds self colonised from Australia in the 1950s and were first recorded breeding here in 1958.

Conservation status Native and ‘naturally uncommon’. Features The Australian coot is best described as a duck-like water bird. They are dark grey to black over their entire body, but instantly recognisable by a bright white bill and frontal shield. Another distinctive feature is the bright red eyes. Both males and females are alike with the […]
June 2019

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June 2019

Matthew Cattin

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Matthew Cattin

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