Birds of Alberton: The red-knobbed coot
The red-knobbed coot, despite being a waterbird, does not have webbed feet.
The red-knobbed coot is a very common resident water bird seen across South Africa. They can be seen in large water bodies that have reed beds.
As the only fully black water bird in South Africa, the chances of the red-knobbed coot being confused with other birds are low. The only distinguishing colour features are a white face shield and red knobs on the head. These knobs, which are bright red in breeding season, give the bird its name. In winter, outside of the breeding season, the red knobs are greatly reduced in size and brightness. Red-knobbed coots do not have webbed feet as many other swimming birds have. Their legs and feet are a blue-grey colour. The feet themselves are lobed, giving their toes a leaf-like appearance.
Outside of the breeding season, red-knobbed coots are gregarious and can be seen in large groups. During the breeding season, coot pairs become very territorial, defending their nest from all intruders. The nest is built by both parents. The nest itself is a floating platform built on the water close to aquatic plants.
Red-knobbed coots are mostly herbivorous. They feed on aquatic plants, consuming the stems and roots of the plants. As with various other birds, they will on occasion eat seeds, grains and invertebrates.
Sources:
Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-red-knobbed-coot.html
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