Coot ( Fulica atra 15" )There are many birds known as Coots. Here all references are to the common British ( Eurasian) Coot.
(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/6818/coot.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/coot.jpg/)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Coot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Coot)
Many hackles from this bird were used, some as substitutes..
(http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9509/coot1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/coot1.jpg/)