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RED-KNOBBED COOT

                                                    Afrikaans: Bleshoender

                                                    A common sight in dams, lakes and pans, the Red-knobbed Coot
                                                    is a medium-sized waterbird. Characterised by a black body, white
                                                    underbelly and a prominent red knob on its forehead, this bird is not
                                                    the most agile flier, capable only of short bursts of flight. They spend
                                                    most of their time on the water’s surface, feeding on a varied diet of
                                                    aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Interestingly, Red-knobbed
                                                    Coots possess the remarkable ability to run on water to escape
                                                    predators. They achieve this feat by propelling themselves with rapid
                                                    leg movements while using their wings for balance.














































































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