All-black and larger than its cousin, the moorhen, it has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes, which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.
Key ID Features.
Larger than Moorhen
Slate black body with rounded rump.
Black head with white facial shield and bill and red eye.
yellowish legs and large, grey feet with lobed toes.
Overview
Scientific name: Fulica atra
Family: Rails (Rallidae)
Where to see them:
Mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes when deep enough. Sometimes seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Vegetation, snails and insect larvae.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Radipole, Weymouth
Photographer: Tim Tapley
