American Coot – ForagingFulica americana December – Texas L=15.5” ...... WS=24”...... WT=1.4 lb......m>f Order: Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies) Family: Rallifae (Rails, Gallinules and Coots) American Coots are one of the most common water birds in North America and can be found essentially anywhere in the region. The habits are those of a duck but the bird has a chicken like beak and lobed toes like a grebe. Its lineage is that of the rails and gallinules. American Coots are excellent swimmers and divers but awkward walking and flying. To take off from water they “run” for an extended period before gaining flight. When confronted with a threat they put a cacophony of squawks, grunts and other sounds and skitter across the water with wings flapping. With these characteristic behaviors and their unusual appearance American Coots are usually entertaining and sometimes comical.
American Coot – foragingFulica americana March – Texas L=15.5” ...... WS=24”...... WT=1.4 lb......m>f Order: Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies) Family: Rallifae (Rails, Gallinules and Coots)
American Coot – walking on water (frozen) Fulica americana January – New Mexico L=15.5” ...... WS=24”...... WT=1.4 lb......m>f Order: Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies) Family: Rallifae (Rails, Gallinules and Coots)
