English nicknames for coot? (1 Viewer)

[LesleyP]

Hello, I have sort of a strange question. I am editing a text written about 400 years ago in which the author identifies the "Fulica," which I believe is the Coot," with two nicknames I don't recognize. To complicate things, her handwriting is very difficult to read at that point in the manuscript. Does anyone know of any old nicknames for the English Coot which look or sound anything like the following: moulen; widappoe? Or can anyone recommend a reference where I may find the answer?

I know it's a long shot, but I had to try. Thanks!

 

[ayasuda]

This might help out a little. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/research/pubs/banks/obspart1.htm

 

[Mickymouse]

I live in England and don't recall any nicknames for Coots, sorry.
Welcome to the forum in any case.

Mick

 

[fugl]

Hello, I have sort of a strange question. I am editing a text written about 400 years ago in which the author identifies the "Fulica," which I believe is the Coot," with two nicknames I don't recognize. To complicate things, her handwriting is very difficult to read at that point in the manuscript. Does anyone know of any old nicknames for the English Coot which look or sound anything like the following: moulen; widappoe? Or can anyone recommend a reference where I may find the answer?

I know it's a long shot, but I had to try. Thanks!

How about "mudhen" (for "moulen"), a nickname still widely in use for the American Coot?

 

[LesleyP]

This might help out a little. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/research/pubs/banks/obspart1.htm

Thanks very much! I don't see exactly what I'm looking for this time around, but it's a great resource.

LesleyP

 

[LesleyP]

How about "mudhen" (for "moulen"), a nickname still widely in use for the American Coot?

Terrific suggestion!! I think that solves at least half my problem. The French term she's translating is "poule d'eau," or "waterchicken," so "mudhen" makes great good sense.

 

[Bgreen]

Mud Hens and Sewer Hens are the only thing other than Coot I've heard

 

[gw4aurora]

Named after the front head plate I know of Bald Coot and Baldie. the only other names I know of are in Welsh.

Chris

 

[dampflippers]

Anything here?
http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Coot

 

[dampflippers]

http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/ma...historymag.com/editors_pick/1942_12_pick.html
This site says there are 24 different names for coot. Good luck!

 

[Steve Dudley]

Sorry to join this thread so late.

When we are talking historical names, we aren't talking nick-names in the modern day sense, but real, regional names. Over time, as people travel, many of these disappeared as one or several came to be used more widely, usually ending up wiht one common name.

Old English regional names for Coot Fulica atra include Bel Poot (or Bel Powt - powt = fowl in Scottish and bel = bald), Beltie, Bell Kite (= Scottish -bald coot), Snythe, Smyth, Snaith (all Orcadian), Bald Pate, White-faced Diver, Black Hen, Black Diver, Water Crow, Water Hen (shared with Moorhen), Whistling Duck, Queet and Cute (as well as the more obvious names of Bald-headed Coot, etc).

 

[screaming piha]

Justacoot, Mr Coot and Knob billed.

 

[Big Phil]

Stella?.

 

[screaming piha]

Stella?.

Not heard of that one. Did you make it up or have you confused it with Stella's Sea Coot?