Species Name: American Coot (Fulica americana)

Length: 15.5 inches (39 cm)

Description: A dark gray to blackish, compact water bird, with a pale to white beak. Eye is red. The pale beak has a brownish ring near the tip and extends into a forehead shield that may show a brownish knob or spot. The head and neck are usually darker (almost black), while the body is a lighter slate color. White tail feathers are usually visible at the short tail. Legs range from greenish-gray to yellow-orange, depending on age. Toes are lobed and unique.

Range: Widespread throughout most of North America. Withdraws from Canadian provinces and Great Plains states in winter. Found on most fresh water ponds throughout range.

Behavior: Feeds quietly on ponds and in marshes, plucking vegetation from below water by tipping or submerging. Found singly, in pairs, or in groups of varying size. Often squabbles with other coots over food or feeding territory. Seldom seen out of water, unless feeding from visitors in parks.

Related or Similar Species: Contrary to what many casual observers believe, coots are not ducks. Rather, they are members of the Railidae family that includes the rails, the Common Moorhen, and the Purple Gallinule. Winter plumage moorhens resemble coots, but even in winter, some part of the white line by the wing should show on moorhens; the bill is also of different shape and color. Moorhens lack the lobed toes as well. Juveniles of both species are more likely to be confused than adults. The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) is quite similar, but has a more prominent white shield, no ring on the bill, and all black tail. Some American Coots, particularly in the south, may show a pronounced white shield and resemble the Caribbean Coot (Fulica caribaea).

Identification: Unmistakable, and not likely to be confused with any other normally occurring species within range.

Advice on Finding and Photographing: Look for coots at local marshes and small ponds, especially around the weedy edges. Coots can often be fearless where ducks are fed at local parks. The most challenging aspect of photographing coots is dealing with the extremes of dark plumage and very pale bill. It is very easy to over exposure the bill, especially when trying to reveal detail in the dark plumage. Avoid high contrast light and films.

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