The Eurasian coot is 13 to 17 inches long and is primarily black,
except for a white facial shield and beak.
The shield is what gave rise to the saying, "bald as a coot," which goes back to the 15th century. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. They have awkward, funny looking toes that are partially webbed.
I saw some recently in Kehl, Germany and Leyden, Netherlands.
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