MOULT AND MASS OF THE REDKNOBBED COOT

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Abstract
The redknobbed coot F. cristata has a flightless molt throughout the year at Barberspan [South Africa], but mainly during April and Oct./Nov. The flightless period is about 54 days. The plumage of the upper and under parts of the body and of the tail is replaced continually. The habitat of molting redknobbed coots may be large open lakes; flightless birds occur singly or in small groups among full winged birds well out on open water. The mean mass of 4016 adult redknobbed coots was 737 g and of 741 juveniles was 579 g, with an annual peak in adult mass in March.