The red-knobbed coot is largely black except for the white frontal shield. There are two tiny red knobs at the top of the facial shield, which is not visible at any great distance and are only present in the breeding season. The red-knobbed coot is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. The red-knobbed coot is an omnivore and will take a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds. It is an aggressive species and strongly territorial during the breeding season.
