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<em>Birds Living II</em> by Richard Stade

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    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)
    Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks  – LoafingDendrocygna autumnalis
December – Texas
L=21”......     WS=30” ......    WT=1.8 lb
Order: Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese Swans) 
Family: Aatidae (Ducks, Geese Swans)
Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are more arboreal than most ducks and will frequently be seen loafing in trees and even on barbed wire or telephone lines. Prior to being renamed “whistling-ducks” this species was called the Black-bellied Tree Duck. 

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are gregarious and are found in large flocks. When loafing or foraging it is common for sentries to watch for threats. 

Individuals form lifelong pairs and will separate from a flock in breeding season. Usually they nest in tree cavities. Their young are precocial (i.e. born with open eyes, downy feathers, and are capable of locomotion within a few hours of hatching) and will jump from the nest within 24 hours of hatching. To soften the fall from the 8-30 foot height parents will find or create a landing area that has thick herbaceous matter.