[6] The giant coot is found from southern Peru through western Bolivia into northern Chile and northwestern Argentina.

[6] Giant coot adults are generally sedentary though they may walk to open water if a small pond freezes.

[6] The giant coot feeds mostly on aquatic vegetation, especially plants of genera Myriophyllum, Potamogeton, Zannichellia, and Ruppia.

[6] The giant coot breeds at any season, but its peak egg-laying period is the local winter of June and July.

It makes a huge nest of plant material dredged and piled up in water about 1 m (3 ft) deep.

Young feed on fresh vegetation added to the nest and also on plants and small animal prey such as amphipods and tadpoles brought by the parents.

Male giant coots make "alternating gobbling or laughing 'houehouhouhouhoou' and low, growling 'hrr' or 'horr' sounds".