The American Coot, Fulica americana, is an interesting bird. It’s not exactly a duck or a goose, but it’s more like a rail. However, it’s very easily identifiable because of its coloring and shape.
Identification Features:
Adult
- Males are slightly larger
- Short, whitish bill
- Overall grey coloration
- White on trailing edge while flying
- Head and neck are black
- Frontal shield on bill has brownish spot
- Red eyes
- Legs are a greenish yellow
Juvenile
- Duller and paler overall
- More whitish underparts
- Dusky colored bill
Voice:
- Grunting and cackling notes
- Emphatic puck, croooah, and punk-unk-punk-uh-punk-unk-uh
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Vocal during the day and the night
Range:
Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Conservation Status:
- Least Concern by the IUCN
Fun Fact:
- Even though its body is similar to that of a duck, the American Coot does not have webbed feet like a duck. It has lobed feet instead.
Where I Have Seen It:
- Monterey, CA
- North Deer Island, Galveston, TX
- High Island, Bolivar Peninsula, TX
Notice the webbed feet?
Well, there you have the unique American Coot.
‘Till next time – enjoy!
