American Coot
Fulica americana Eco Pond, Everglades,
Florida
March 2000 Photographed by: Gordon Atkins
Descriptive Information
- Field marks: dark gray
to black; white bill with black partial-ring around tip; looks kind of like
a duck
- General habitat: marshes,
lakes, coastal regions esp. in winter
- Geographic range: most
of US and into Canada and Mexico
- Ecosystem(s) where observed:
freshwater marshes and lakes
Feeding Habits
- The American Coot feeds much
like a duck. It sits on the surface of the water and dabbles for seeds,
roots, leaves, fish, and other small water creatures. It may tip its
body up or dive under the water. It may also feed on land.
Links to Video
(This page developed by: Dana LaVanture)