Coot?

The Common Coot is a waterfowl.
They are identified by their white bill and forehead shield.
This adaptive bird has adapted to a life in cities.

The Common Coot collects trash to build their nest.

Recent research shows that as much as 29.3% of coots' nest materials are made of artificial materials (1634 out of 5579 items counted). Some nests contain even more plastic than natural materials.

source: Birds using artificial plants as nesting material in: Behaviour Volume 159 Issue 2 (2022) (brill.com)

How to Collaborate?

When may the “garbage nests” be collected?

❌  Do not take:

 

 

During the breeding season (February - August), when there are eggs or young in the nest.
When the parent birds are still actively guarding or using the nest.
Nests are protected by law during this period and may not be disturbed:
 February – September
✅ Take:
 

 

If the coots are no longer using the nest.
If eggs or young are no longer present or the parent birds no longer actively guard or use the nest.
If the nests consist of trash.
Period when nests may be cleared and sorted:
October - January 

Where?

Ghent, Belgium 

Why this location? 

- High Coot population
The city has a dense population of coots.
 
- Lack of nesting options
There are few to no suitable nesting options for coots in the city center.
 
- Lots of trash in the water
The coots use trash in their nests. As it happens, you find more trash in the city center.

Common Coot Flocks in Ghent 

Testlocations

Why is this Collaboration Project
important?

This project is important because it uses cooperation between humans and coots to improve urban waste management. Coots have adapted to the city and collect waste for their nests. This behavior is now being exploited in a circular design: nests are collected and sorted on special nesting platforms after the breeding season. In this way, the coots actively help recycle waste while providing safe nesting sites for themselves. In the end, together we ensure cleaner water.
 The project shows how animals can play a role in ecological solutions for cities.