(Part of the) common name of species of the genus Fulica (9 species) of the family Rallidae or 'rails' (Gruiformes, suborder Grues) and used without qualification (in Britain) for Fulica atra. Coots are also commonly separated from the rest of the Rallidae in a subfamily Fulicinae. F. atra is found over the greater part of the Old World, while all other species (except one African) have a Central and South American distribution. Like the other rails, coots are aquatic ground dwellers, well-adapted to live in dense vegetation. They are small to medium-sized and have more or less laterally compressed bodies, with short, rounded wings and a short tail. Walking is typically done with bobbing head and flirting (brisk, waving movement) tail. Most species have secretive habits and many are nocturnal. Nesting is non-colonial and very concealed.

Alternative forms for coots : coot, Fulica , Gallinula.