Eurasian coot; common coot
A waterbird (Fulica atra) with a white bill and frontal shield, found in wetlands across Eurasia. In Japanese, usually written in katakana as オオバン.
In winter, coots gather at the lake.
Kanji form is rare and may not be recognized by many readers; no priority for this spelling is specified.
The name オオバン (大鷭) literally means 'large coot' or 'great coot', distinguishing it from smaller rail species. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.