Plump waterbird with a rounded head and a sloping bill. Adults are dark gray overall with a white bill tipped in a ring of black.
On land appears rather chickenlike. Note the long lobed toes that help propel it in the water.
Bulky-bodied, ducklike bird with small, pointed bill. Typically feeds from the surface of the water but sometimes dives.
Juveniles are pale grayish below with a pale bill.
With good views note the red eye and the white shield that is topped with red.
Right after hatching chicks have bare red spots on their heads, rusty-colored down around their head, and a red bill.
To get airborne, coots typically need to beat their wings while running across the water for many yards.
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The American Coot is a plump, chickenlike bird with a rounded head and a sloping bill. Their tiny tail, short wings, and large feet are visible on the rare occasions they take flight.
About two-thirds the size of a Mallard.
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