Coot/ Moorhen Young (1 Viewer)

[AlanR]

At a certain age, the young of these two are difficult to distinguish. To add to the confusion I often see them on a lake where both Coot and Moorhen adults are evident.
I had these down as Moorhens at first as most of the adults around were Moorhen but now they all look more Coot-like.
Is there an easy way to tell them apart?
Alan
[These were at Chatsworth near Bakewell in Derbyshire.]

 

[mikejack82]

They are coots, When coots are very young they have Red/Orange around the bill and head area, which would cause this confusion.

 

[Tib78]

They are coots, all of them. Young moorhen have obvious white patch under the tail, a pale line under the wing and the overall colour is quite different (dull brownish vs dull black in coot)

Juv Moorhen: http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/moorhen/moorhen04.jpg

 

[Cristian Mihai]

Young coots indeed.

 

[AlanR]

They are coots, When coots are very young they have Red/Orange around the bill area, which would cause this confusion.

Thanks for the speedy reply, Mike.
Alan