The Australian Coot (Fulica atra australis) is an easily identified inhabitant of many lakes through much of Aotearoa New Zealand. It favours sheltered waters rather than large open expanses.

They spend most of their time on the water feeding, but can be entertaining to watch when they wish to take flight — their takeoffs involve a very undignified run across the surface of the water as they build up flying speed.

This specimen was photographed on Virginia Lake in Whanganui.