Immature birds have a paler bill than adults and olive legs and feet.

[5] The red-gartered coot is found from central and southern Chile, Paraguay, and southeastern Brazil south through Argentina to Tierra del Fuego.

[6] The red-gartered coot inhabits large ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes, and in winter sheltered marine bays.

[5] The red-gartered coot is believed to be mostly sedentary but does make some local movements and has strayed from its normal range.

[5] The red-gartered coot's breeding season varies geographically, but is generally within September to November.

"[5] The IUCN has assessed the red-gartered coot as being of Least Concern, though its population size and trend are not known.