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MEASUREMENTS: wing (15 male) 219-239 (227), (13 female) 208-224 (217); tail (15 male) 56-66 (59.4), (17 female) 54-65 (58.7); tarsus (14 male) 68-75 (71.8), (19 female) 61-70 (66); culmen (16 male) 30-36 (32.9), (20 female) 29-33 (31)40; mass S Africa (4 016 unsexed) 363-1 236 (737)9, Lake Naivasha, Kenya (10 male) 770-910 (827), (10 female) 455-790 (635)3.
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MOULT: At Barberspan, NW Province, flightless moult occurs year-round, with peaks in Apr and Oct-Nov9. Flightless period ca 54 d; flight feathers shed over 4-6 d, replacement takes 40-48 d, with a further 5 d for feathers to harden9. Body and tail feathers replaced continually9.
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CONSERVATION: Not threatened; population has probably expanded considerably in response to increased habitat provided by farm dams and other man-made impoundments35. Very high concentrations of heavy metals in tissues and organs of coots in polluted wetlands in Gauteng are cause for concern43. Additional mortality due to poisoning (both intentionally and unintentionally, when spraying crops or problem birds), and attacks by domestic dogs and cats25.
Author:WRJ Dean
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