American Coot
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54800218" class="extiw" title="d:Q54800218"><span title="Scottish wildlife photographer">Charles J. Sharp</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameAmerican Coot
Common NameAmerican Coot
Scientific NameFulica americana
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)64.5
Length (cm)38.5
Weight (g)637.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a sooty gray to black body, a white bill with a dark band near the tip, and a prominent white frontal shield. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are duller, often browner-bodied, with a paler, yellowish-white bill and lack the distinct white frontal shield.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of clucking, squawking, and cackling sounds, often described as 'kuh-kuh-kuh' or 'puk-puk-puk' calls, as well as sharp 'kik' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater marshes, ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across North America, from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. Winters in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America.
Identifying FeaturesDark, slate-gray body, White bill (adults with dark band and frontal shield, juveniles duller), Lobed toes (not webbed), Head-bobbing while swimming, Small, chicken-like head
Description
The American Coot is a medium-sized waterbird with a dark, duck-like body but a chicken-like bill. It is often seen swimming on freshwater bodies, frequently bobbing its head as it moves. Unlike ducks, it has lobed toes rather than webbed feet.
