American Coot
Fulica americana
A stocky freshwater bird of marshes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow lakes, often swimming in open water near dense vegetation. It dives and dabbles for aquatic plants, seeds, algae, insects, snails, and other small animals. Adults are territorial and may chase, peck, splash, or strike rivals with their feet and wings. Unlike ducks, they have lobed toes rather than fully webbed feet, helping them swim strongly while still walking over mud and floating plants.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- American Coot