Coot

The coot is a group of medium-sized waterbirds in the rail family, most often placed in the genus Fulica. The best known species are the common coot (Fulica atra) and the American coot (Fulica americana). Coots inhabit wetlands worldwide, including lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow rivers, and are commonly seen in large, noisy flocks outside the breeding season.

Identification: Adults are predominantly dark gray to black, with a distinctive white frontal shield on the forehead that extends to the base of the bill, and red eyes. They have a short, thick bill and lobed feet rather than fully webbed feet. Juveniles are brownish with a duller shield and eyes.

Behavior and diet: Coots are omnivorous but mainly feed on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and occasionally invertebrates. They forage at the surface, pull vegetation from below the water, or dive briefly. They are highly territorial during the breeding season and can be aggressive toward intruders. They are social in winter, forming large flocks.

Breeding and status: They build floating nests among dense vegetation near water edges. Clutches typically contain four to ten eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the precocial young are cared for by both parents. Coots have a wide distribution and, while overall not threatened, local populations may be impacted by habitat loss, water pollution, and management practices. The IUCN generally lists coot species as Least Concern.