Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
The Red-fronted Coot is a medium-sized waterbird native to southern South America, including the wetlands and lakes of Patagonia. Its most distinctive feature is the vivid red shield on its forehead, contrasting with its dark plumage and white bill. Social and active, these coots are often observed swimming in groups, diving for food, or walking along muddy shores. Their calls are sharp and carry across the water, adding to the lively atmosphere of Patagonian wetlands. During the breeding season, they build floating nests among reeds and aquatic vegetation, where both parents share incubation duties. The Red-fronted Coot plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping control aquatic plant growth and providing food for local predators.
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, marshes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation in Patagonia.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on aquatic plants, algae, and seeds, occasionally taking insects and small invertebrates while diving or dabbling.
