American coot Fulica Americana
Family Ralidae (Rails, Gallinules, Coots): Marsh birds with short tails & short rounded wings.
Description:
- Overall black- darkest on head & neck
- Outer undertail coverts are white
- Stubby white bill with dark band near tip
- Legs: greenish-gray in juveniles, yellow to orange in adults
- Lobed toes on large feet
Flight: Has a running take off, but then flies strongly. Often walks on lawns & golf courses to graze
Habitat: Common on ponds & marshes, Often in large tight flocks on water & land. Year-round resident. Food: dives for submerged aquatic vegetation; brings to the surface to eat. Grazes on grass.
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- photo by : Gary Provo
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- Stubby white bill with dark band near tip Outer undertail coverts are white
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- Overall black- darkest on head & neck
