Coot

The coots are medium-sized water birds which are members of the rail family. They constitute the genus Fulica.

Related Topics:
Rail - Family

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These rails are all predominantly black in plumage, and, unlike many of the rails, they are usually easy to see, swimming in open water rather than skulking in reedbeds. The coot is often mistaken for a duck, since it swims like a duck. It does not have a duck bill, but rather a chicken like white beak. Another distinguishing characteristic are the coots feet; instead of webbing each toe segment contains a lobe.

Related Topics:
Plumage - Chicken - Beak - Webbing

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They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers, although nevertheless capable of covering long distances; the American Coot has reached Great Britain and Ireland on rare occasions. Those that migrate do so at night.

Related Topics:
American Coot - Great Britain - Ireland - Migrate

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Coots can walk and run vigorously on strong legs, and have long toes that are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces.

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These birds are omnivorous, taking plant material, small animals and eggs. They are aggressively territorial during the breeding season, but are otherwise often found in sizeable flocks on the shallow vegetated lakes they prefer.

Related Topics:
Omnivorous - Egg

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