American Coot
NameAmerican Coot
Common NameAmerican Coot
Scientific NameFulica americana
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)64.5
Length (cm)38.5
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsAdult American Coots have a sooty gray to black body, with white undertail coverts. Their bill is white with a dark band near the tip, and they possess a prominent reddish-brown frontal shield (a bare patch on the forehead). Their legs are greenish-yellow with large, lobed toes.
Vocalization / CallAmerican Coots produce a variety of vocalizations, including sharp 'puk-puk-puk' notes, clucking sounds, and various cackles and squawks. They can also make a high-pitched 'kuh-kuh-kuh' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, lakes, ponds, marshes, slow-moving rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, breeding from southern Canada through the United States and Mexico, extending into parts of Central and northern South America. Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter.
Identifying Featuresdark sooty gray body, white bill with dark band, reddish frontal shield, lobed feet (not webbed), head-bobbing while swimming, running on water during takeoff
Description
The American Coot is a common, duck-like waterbird with a dark, sooty gray body, a distinctive white bill, and a reddish frontal shield. They are often seen dabbling for food on the surface or diving underwater in freshwater habitats, frequently bobbing their heads while swimming.
