Andean coot
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SPECIES
Fulica ardesiaca

The Andean coot (Fulica ardesiaca ), also known as the slate-coloured coot, is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is found in the Andes from far southwestern Colombia to northwestern Argentina. Its natural habitats are swamps and freshwater lakes. Fossils tentatively assigned to this species are known from the Laguna de Tagua Tagua formation of Chile.

Appearance

The bill and shield color are variable. The most common combination is a chestnut shield and yellow bill with a black spot on it. Other combinations are yellow shield / white bill and white shield / white bill.

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The Andean coot is found in both North and South America. As they are found at a wide range of different altitudes, the populations that live at high altitudes have adapted physiologically to a low-oxygen environment. For example, Andean coots living at altitude have more capillaries per square millimeter of muscle compared to Andean coots living at sea level.

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Distribution

Geography

Andean coot habitat map
Andean coot habitat map
Andean coot
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Habits and Lifestyle

Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

Population

References

1. Andean coot Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andean_coot
2. Andean coot on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22692932/93374813
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/287581

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