The American Coot (Fulica americana) is a fascinating and highly adaptable waterbird commonly found in wetlands, lakes, and ponds across North America. Though it may resemble a duck, it is actually a member of the rail family (Rallidae). Below is a detailed breakdown of the American Coot’s characteristics, behavior, habitat, and more.

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Physical Characteristics

Size: Medium-sized waterbird, measuring 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 23–28 inches (58–71 cm). Weight: Around 1.3–1.5 lbs (590–690 g).

Appearance: Plumage: Dark gray to black body with a slightly paler underside. Head: Black, with a distinct white frontal shield above the bill. Bill: Short, thick, and white with a dark band near the tip.

Legs and Feet: Greenish-yellow legs with lobed toes instead of webbed feet, which help it navigate both water and land.

Eyes: Bright red.

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Habitat and Distribution

Range: Found throughout North America, from Canada to Central America. They migrate south in the winter, reaching as far as Panama.

Preferred Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, lakes, ponds, marshes, and reservoirs. Often found near vegetation-rich shallow waters where they can forage for food. Adaptable to urban and suburban environments, including golf courses and city parks.

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Behavior and Ecology

Diet: Omnivorous: Eats aquatic plants, algae, seeds, insects, small fish, snails, and crustaceans. Often seen dipping their heads underwater or diving to forage. Occasionally steals food from ducks or other waterbirds.

Swimming & Movement: Unlike ducks, which have webbed feet, coots have lobed toes that help them swim efficiently. Can also walk well on land, unlike many other waterbirds.

Flight: Poor fliers compared to ducks; requires a long running start across the water to take off. Migrates at night in flocks.

Social Behavior: Highly social, often seen in large groups. Can be aggressive, especially during breeding season. Will chase and peck at intruders, even members of their own species.

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Reproduction and Lifecycle

Breeding Season: Spring and early summer.

Nesting: Builds floating nests made of vegetation in dense marshes or near reeds. Both parents help construct the nest.

Eggs & Incubation: Lays 6–12 eggs per clutch. Eggs are speckled and pale-colored. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 21–25 days

. Chicks: Hatch with bright orange-red feathers on their heads, which fade as they mature. Parents feed and protect the young for several weeks. Chicks can swim shortly after hatching.

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Predators and Threats

Predators: Include hawks, eagles, foxes, raccoons, snapping turtles, and large fish.

Threats: Habitat loss due to wetland destruction. Pollution, particularly from pesticides and fertilizers. Hunting in some regions, though not a major target.

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Interesting Facts

Not a Duck! Despite looking like one, it is more closely related to rails and gallinules.

Aggressive Parents: Coots sometimes abandon weaker chicks, favoring stronger ones.

Tough to Catch: Their muscular legs and strong swimming skills make them hard for predators to catch.

Can Walk on Lily Pads: Their lobed feet distribute their weight, allowing them to move across floating vegetation.

Unique Voice: Has a variety of squawks, grunts, and croaks, often sounding more like a chicken than a duck.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern (IUCN Red List).

Stable populations across most of their range.

Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.