Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Gadwall stealing food from Coots: an example of Kleptoparasitism, a feeding strategy where one animal takes food from another.
Gadwall are dabbling ducks that feed mainly on vegetation. They take food from the surface of the water or upend in shallow water to feed on submerged vegetation. By contrast, Coots often dive to find food, which they bring to the surface to eat. They can reach aquatic plants in deeper water that are hard for the Gadwall to get to.
During the winter months, when food is less abundant, Gadwall can often be seen following Coots around. When the Coot dives to find food, the Gadwall wait for the Coot to reappear and then steal some of the vegetation for themselves. This feeding strategy, where one animal takes food from another, is called Kleptoparasitism.
Other examples of Kleptoparasitism among birds, include Carrion Crows stealing molluscs opened by Oystercatchers, Kestrels stealing prey from Barn Owls and Herring Gulls stealing fish from Puffins.
It’s not just birds that use this tactic. Kleptoparasitism is a widespread feeding strategy. Examples can be found in many animal groups, including insects, fish, mammals and reptiles.
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Gadwall stealing food from Coots: an example of Kleptoparasitism, a feeding strategy where one animal takes food from another.
Gadwall are dabbling ducks that feed mainly on vegetation. They take food from the surface of the water or upend in shallow water to feed on submerged vegetation. By contrast, Coots often dive to find food, which they bring to the surface to eat. They can reach aquatic plants in deeper water that are hard for the Gadwall to get to.
During the winter months, when food is less abundant, Gadwall can often be seen following Coots around. When the Coot dives to find food, the Gadwall wait for the Coot to reappear and then steal some of the vegetation for themselves. This feeding strategy, where one animal takes food from another, is called Kleptoparasitism.
Other examples of Kleptoparasitism among birds, include Carrion Crows stealing molluscs opened by Oystercatchers, Kestrels stealing prey from Barn Owls and Herring Gulls stealing fish from Puffins.
It’s not just birds that use this tactic. Kleptoparasitism is a widespread feeding strategy. Examples can be found in many animal groups, including insects, fish, mammals and reptiles.
If you enjoyed this video, please like 👍, subscribe and leave a comment. If you'd like to be notified when new videos are available, please hit the bell🔔!
Thank you for watching!
