Coots are easily identified, being charcoal grey in colour with a distinctive white facial shield above a strong white beak. Their bodies are neatly compact and seem unevenly matched to their clown-sized feet.

Coots are tough little birds and will fight vigorously in defence of their territory, nest or young. When challenge they will announce their dissatisfaction with raised wings in a threatening posture. If this doesn't get the message across their large feet are put to good use as they run across the water's surface before launching into a ferocious attack, kicking and biting unreservedly.