Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
The White-winged Coot is a medium-sized waterbird native to southern South America, including Patagonia. It has dark plumage with distinctive white patches on its wings, which are most noticeable during flight. Its bill is yellow with a reddish base, and it has red eyes. This species is commonly found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, where it swims and dives with ease. The White-winged Coot is gregarious, often forming large groups, especially outside the breeding season. It is vocal, producing a variety of calls. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, which it gathers by diving or picking from the water’s surface. The species breeds in reed beds, building floating nests anchored to vegetation. Adaptable and widespread, the White-winged Coot is a familiar sight in Patagonian wetlands.
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on aquatic plants, diving or picking food from the water’s surface or just below.
