Common Coot

Fulica atra

Appearance:
Medium-sized water bird
Black plumage
Prominent white frontal shield and beak
Red eyes
Lobed flaps of skin on toes
Juvenile:
   Paler than adult
   Whitish breast
   No facial shield

Like their cousin the Moorhen, Coots are a common sight on the park lakes and canals around London.  They are an odd looking bird, especially their feet which I've always found just a little bit frightening.  And, going by the picture below, it appears my concerns were not unfounded!

Learn more about the Coot.

Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Appearance:
Medium-sized water bird
Dark plumage with white line along flank
White undertail
Red frontal shield
Red bill with yellow tip
Yellow-green legs and feet
Toes are lobed, not webbed
Red eyes

These birds are common throughout the UK and I have seen them in freshwater marshes, pond and canals. What I hadn't seen before is the awkwardly adorable chick.  Looks like it needs to grow into those feet!  Like the Coot, the Moorhen has long chicken-like toes that help it walk on the top of floating vegetation and the mud.

Learn more about the Moorhen.