Results from Banding Eurasian Coots in Victoria, 1953-1977
| Posted: |
27/10/2021 |
| Author(s): |
F. I. Norman |
Results obtained during banding of Eurasian Coot
Fulica atra in Victoria (3 177),
South Australia (413) and New South Wales (32) between 1953 and 1977 are summarised,
as are details of subsequent recoveries. Coots on the lake system of the Serendip
Wildlife Research Station, Victoria (where trapping was more regular) were also counted
between September 1969 and October 1977. Trap totals were higher in October, and
between March and June. Only 65 coots banded in Victoria have been recovered, 45
at the original banding site. The average distance travelled by the other 20 birds was
295 km (± SD 230) and only four coot moved more than 500 km. Distant recoveries
were usually on or near coastal wetlands. Recoveries (2% of banded birds) were
usually made within a year of banding and, though 50% were found dead, few (5.6%)
were reported as shot. Mean weights of birds caught at Serendip increased between
June and November. Counts made there were variable (maximum in May), but the
numbers were not related to water-level or recent rainfall. Presumably coot, which use
some wetlands as non"breeding habitat, disperse there in response to local conditions
elsewhere.
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