Overview
Although commonly mistaken to be ducks, American coots belong to a distinct order. Unlike the webbed feet of ducks, coots have broad, lobed scales on their lower legs and toes that fold back with each step in order to facilitate walking on dry land. Females and males have similar appearances, but they can be distinguished during aggressive displays by the larger ruff (head plumage) on the male. Adults have a short, thick, white bill and white frontal shield, which usually has a reddish-brown spot near the top of the bill between the eyes. Males and females look alike, but females are smaller. Juvenile birds have olive-brown crowns and a gray body. They become adult-colored around 4 months of age.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Fulica
- Species
- americana
Habitat
Ponds, swamps, and marshes.
Diet
Primarily algae and other aquatic plants but also animals (both vertebrates and invertebrates) when available.
Behavior
Much research has been done on the breeding habits of American coots. Studies have found that mothers will preferentially feed offspring with the brightest plume feathers, a characteristic known as chick ornaments. American coots are also susceptible to conspecific brood parasitism and have evolved mechanisms to identify which offspring are theirs and which are from parasitic females.
Hunting
Typically hunted with a 20 gauge shotgun.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.