Fulica atra, commonly known as the Eurasian Coot, is a water bird that belongs to the rail and crake family, Rallidae. This species is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa, making it a familiar sight in the wetlands of the Comunidad Valenciana.

Key characteristics of the Eurasian Coot include:

• Appearance: The Eurasian Coot has a distinctive appearance with its deep black plumage and a prominent white frontal shield above the beak, earning it the local name "focha común" in some regions. Their eyes are red, adding to their striking look.
• Size: They typically measure around 36 to 38 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 70 to 80 cm.
• Habitat: Favouring freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, Eurasian Coots are commonly found in both natural and artificial bodies of water in the Comunidad Valenciana. They often share these habitats with other aquatic birds.
• Diet: Their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants and small invertebrates, which they forage for by diving and dabbling on the water's surface.
• Behavior: Known for their aggressive territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season, Eurasian Coots are highly competitive and often seen chasing rival birds away from their nesting sites.
• Reproduction: They build floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation. The females typically lay between 5 and 10 eggs per clutch, which both parents take turns incubating.

The Eurasian Coot is an integral part of the wetland ecosystems in the Comunidad Valenciana and plays a crucial role in the balance of aquatic environments, making it an essential subject of interest for local wildlife enthusiasts and visitors alike.