The Red-billed Coot was a species of coot endemic to Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Known from subfossil remains, it was a relatively large coot with a prominent red bill. It went extinct shortly after human settlement, a tragic loss of island biodiversity.
Where to spot
Known only from subfossil remains on Mauritius and Réunion (Mascarene Islands, Indian Ocean).
How to spot
This bird is extinct and cannot be observed. Information is based on subfossil evidence.
When to spot
Extinct. It is believed to have gone extinct in the late 17th or early 18th century due to hunting by settlers and predation by introduced animals like rats.
Where to spot
Known only from subfossil remains on Mauritius and Réunion (Mascarene Islands, Indian Ocean).
How to spot
This bird is extinct and cannot be observed. Information is based on subfossil evidence.
When to spot
Extinct. It is believed to have gone extinct in the late 17th or early 18th century due to hunting by settlers and predation by introduced animals like rats.
This coot was likely flightless or nearly flightless, a common adaptation for rails on isolated oceanic islands, but a trait that rendered it highly vulnerable to introduced predators.
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