The American Coot is a slate-gray waterbird related to rails, distinguished by its white chicken-like bill with a red shield and large, lobed toes that give it a awkward walking gait on land. It is highly aggressive and territorial, commonly fighting with conspecifics over food and space. It sometimes parasitizes other coots' nests and has been shown to recognize and reject foreign eggs.
Habitat
Lakes, ponds, marshes, and coastal bays
Diet
Aquatic plants, algae, and invertebrates
How common
Common
Recent American Coot sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a American Coot? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free