Swimming species with partial webbing toes. Breeding adults have two small reddish horns. Bluish grey tinge bill is rounded. The red-knobbed coot is an omnivore. Fowl takes a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds. Its main food comprises waterweeds. The bird is largely black expect for the white frontal shield. Feathering on the side of the upper mandible is rounded rather than pointed. Found in open freshwater including lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and lagoons.

This is a noisy bird during mating. It gives a fast “kerrre” sound; a harsh ka-haa and a grunting hoot “oot oot” suggest the name “coot”. The bird doesn’t migrate. The species is considered “least concerned” conservation status.