Felica atra, i.e. coot,
Deserves a trumpet call or toot
As waterfowl all should salute
Which dives for tadpole, snail and shoot
And though it can’t be labelled mute,
Refrains from cackle, scream or hoot.
Forget the baldness some impute,
A blemish experts all refute,
(Based on a shield above the snoot
The question why remaining moot)
For in that glossy slate-black suit
It really is, indeed, a beaut.
