The Eurasian coot chick at Pildammsparken in Malmö didn’t so much swim as it ricocheted across the water like a downy, furious ember. That bright crimson face, ringed in electric orange fuzz, was the kind of beauty that only a parent — or a birder — could adore. Nearby, the adult coot waited with food, patient in that clumsy, noble way only birds can be.
To some, it’s an oddball. To me, it’s pure devotion dressed in punk plumage.
Species Spotlight: Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
Eurasian coots are common waterbirds across Europe, often mistaken for ducks but more closely related to rails. Their glossy black plumage and stark white beak are iconic — but their chicks? Unforgettable. These fluffy neon oddities are born ready for survival, growing fast and learning to forage while begging with a chorus of needy peeps. Despite their comical looks, coots are known to be fiercely territorial and bold in parenting.
That garish face serves a purpose: it signals health and hunger. The louder and brighter, the better the care.
The Photographer’s View
📍 Pildammsparken, Malmö, Sweden
📷 Sony A7R V + Sony FE 200–600mm G OSS
⚙️ 1/1000 sec • f/6.3 • ISO 2000
Catching the chick mid-splash with its little mohawk ablaze against the green water was a dance of light and timing. I stayed low near the edge, using burst mode to capture the action — especially the intimate moment of feeding. One of those shoots where the subject gives you everything, if you just wait.
The Eurasian Coot Chick Call to the Flock
Ever watched a chick like this and wondered how something so strange could be so beautiful? I’d love to hear your weird-and-wonderful bird baby moments — drop a memory or tag a bird-loving friend 🐥🧡
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