American Coot
Image: Bill Palmer (cc-by-nc)
NameAmerican Coot
Common NameAmerican Coot
Scientific NameFulica americana
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)38.5
Weight (g)600
Plumage DetailsSooty gray to black body plumage, with a darker head and neck. It has a bright white bill with a dark band near the tip, and a prominent white frontal shield (a fleshy callus) extending onto the forehead. The eyes are typically red.
Vocalization / CallA variety of clucking, cackling, and squawking calls. Common vocalizations include a 'krr-krr-krr' or 'puk-puk-puk' sound, as well as sharp 'kek' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, breeding from southern Canada through the United States and into Central America and the Caribbean. Northern populations migrate south for winter, often to the southern U.S. and Mexico.
Identifying Featuresdark gray to black body, white bill, white frontal shield, red eyes, lobed feet, chicken-like head
Description
The American Coot is a common, duck-like waterbird with a dark, slate-gray body and a distinctive white bill and frontal shield. They are often seen swimming on open water, dabbling for aquatic vegetation, or walking on land near the water's edge.
