Reddish-yellow coot chicks, nicknamed “bird dandelions,” have been observed in St. Petersburg. These unusual offspring were reported by biologist Pavel Glazkov on June 8.
The coot chicks stand out due to their black down, contrasting yellow feathers around their necks, and bright red beaks and bald patches. Glazkov observed that, like all young birds, these chicks diligently follow their parents, constantly begging for food.
Coots typically migrate from Western Europe, particularly France and Italy, to the St. Petersburg region to breed. Coot pairs are known to form lifelong bonds, with the male actively participating in raising their young.