Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

Sitio realizado por aficionados a la observación de aves desde 10 de enero 2006

Mating - Red-gartered Coot

Orden: Gruiformes - Familia: Rallidae

The Red-gartered Coot is a resident bird which breeds at Costanera. Two other coot species coexist in the pond: the White-winged and the Red-fronted Coots. It is stubby and its wings are not well adapted to fly. Both male and female cooperate in nest building. They use vegetal material which they pile up and arrange on a solid base. They look for material anywhere and it is common to watch them return from far with twigs in their bill. They are very dilligent. Both may be away on the search or one of them arranges what the other one brings. The nest is surrounded by water and anchored to a clump of reeds.

Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot
Female's display: it arches her body to show she is receptive. This signal is enough for the male, which mounts her from the back with no other displays. On occasions the female calls the male's attention with energetic steps. As the male shows up, the female positions herself.
Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot
The male stands on her back to get the best position. The female introduces her head into the water and keeps it under it during the short time copulation lasts.
Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot Gallareta ligas rojas/Red-gartered coot
A few wingbeats and contact is made. The male descends and both resume work. This couple was seen mating a couple of times that same day. Photos 8-2007 © Roberto Ares