The Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) is native to a wide range across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its native region spans from the British Isles and Western Europe, throughout Central and Eastern Europe, extending into Russia and Siberia, as well as parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. Significant populations also inhabit parts of Australia and New Zealand as non-native, established parts of their avifaunal composition.

Eurasian coots primarily inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They are often found in wetlands with abundant vegetation, which provides cover and breeding sites. These birds are also adaptable to man-made water bodies such as reservoirs and urban ponds, as long as there is sufficient aquatic vegetation. Climate-wise, they prefer temperate regions but have shown adaptability to various climates within their range, including subtropical areas.

Eurasian coots are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, but they might also consume small invertebrates and fish. They play a role in the ecosystem as both consumers of aquatic vegetation and as prey for larger predators. During the breeding season, coots become territorial and often aggressive to protect their nesting sites, which are typically found in dense reeds or other emergent vegetation.