Winter Visitor- Eurasian Coot

Next in the list of Winter Visitors is Eurasian Coot. It can be easily spotted at both the lakes in Chandigarh i.e. Sukhna Lake as well as Dhanas Lake. Notable for its slaty black plumage and a lustrous white frontal shield and bill, this bird species is common on lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving watercourses, in fresh and brackish marshes, and occasionally on saltwater. This white shield and bill against the black body feathers give the coot a distinctive look. The eyes of the bird are bright red. 

Eurasian coots are quite reluctant to fly and when taking off, the birds run across the water surface. They may run a short distance on land to escape from attackers, but even then, the birds do not really fly. As a swimming species, the coot has partial webbing on its long strong toes. The sexes are similar in appearance.