Near Kryvyi Rih, a large flock of beautiful waterfowl was spotted (PHOTO).

On Monday, February 24, a flock of coots was spotted and photographed east of Kryvyi Rih. The birds were foraging on the shore near a frozen body of water. The photos were shared on the Facebook community "Nature of Kryvorizhya" by photographer Anatoliy Salnyk, as reported by "Vidomo".

As is known, the common coot is a waterfowl belonging to the rail family. Coots have adapted remarkably well to life in aquatic environments. In areas where unfrozen sections of water bodies are preserved during winter (for example, near power plants or sewage collectors), large gatherings of these birds can be observed. Sometimes, coots winter in urban parks or places where they can expect to be fed by people. At the same time, some groups of coots migrate to southwestern regions of Europe or North Africa for the winter.

Being omnivorous, coots feed on young shoots of reeds and other aquatic plants, algae, and grass during the summer, supplementing their diet with insects, larvae, snails, tadpoles, and small fish. In winter, they are sustained by scraps from humans and food leftovers, while in warmer areas, they find greenery.

Coots are excellent swimmers and agile runners on land. When floating, they rhythmically nod their heads, and to dive, they lift themselves slightly above the water.

This bird spends most of its time in a flock, but during the breeding season, the coot becomes very aggressive, even towards other birds in its own flock.

After the breeding season ends, coots find sheltered areas where they undergo a mass molt.

Coots can be easily tamed. Birds that are fed by people will approach the shore very closely without fear.