american coot
1. Bird Name
The bird being discussed in this profile is the American Coot, scientifically known as Fulica americana.
2. Appearance
The American Coot is primarily a dark, slate-gray bird, which can often appear black in low light. It has a distinctive white beak and frontal shield, which is a piece of the bird’s anatomy located at the top of the beak. Its legs are a striking bright green-yellow color, with distinctive lobed toes rather than webbed feet. Its eyes are a vibrant red, adding another color contrast to its monochrome body. There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females, making it difficult to distinguish the genders visually.
3. Size
An adult American Coot typically has a body length ranging from 34 to 43 cm (13 to 17 inches), with a wingspan reaching around 58 to 71 cm (23 to 28 inches). The birds usually weigh between 576 to 848 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
American Coots are native to North America and are commonly found throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, stretching down to Panama in Central America. They are highly adaptable, and while they prefer freshwater bodies, they can also be found in saltwater environments. These birds inhabit ponds and marshes in open country or woodland. During winters, they often flock to coastal bays and inlets.
5. Interesting Facts
Unlike many birds, American Coots have a unique take-off method: they will run across the water while flapping their wings to gather enough speed for lift-off. Although they are not related to ducks, they are often confused with them due to their similar habitats and behaviors. Interestingly, American Coots engage in “brood parasitism,” where a coot lays its eggs in the nests of other coots to spread out their offspring and increase their chances of survival.
6. Diet
The diet of the American Coot is quite varied, consisting of aquatic plants, small fish, insects, snails, and even small birds on rare occasions. They are excellent divers, plunging beneath the water surface to find their meals.
7. Behavior & Sounds
American Coots are social birds, usually seen in flocks. They are territorial during the breeding season, which often leads to aggressive displays if their space is invaded. Their voice is most commonly recognized by their ‘kuk-kuk-kuk’ sound, loud and echoing, often leading to an entire chorus if one starts to call.
8. Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List, the American Coot is of least concern. The bird has a large, stable population, and is not currently facing any major threats.
9. Lifespan
American Coots live, on average, up to approximately 9 years in the wild. In captivity, due to the controlled environment and lack of predators, the lifespan could extend a bit longer.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking regions, the American Coot is referred to as “Focha Americana.” While they are not typically hunted for food due to their strong flavor, they often share habitats with game birds and can occasionally be inadvertently hunted. Despite this, their numbers remain robust. As a part of the ecosystem, they play a vital role in controlling aquatic vegetation and insect populations, maintaining a balance in their wetland habitats.
