The American Coot Page
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American Coot
Fulica Americana
Family: Rallidae
Length: 15 inches long
Wingspan: 24 – 28 inches
Description: A dark gray body, black head, white bill with a reddish frontal knob. Though it appears duck like, the coot is not in the duck family.
Habits: The coot is a diving bird. Dives up to 25 feet. Bobs along the water with its neck and head moving back and forth in a chicken like action. It is said to be aggressive.
Diet: Dives for aquatic plants and roots, which are the main diet. They also eat insects and small fish.
Mating: Monogamous
Nest: The coot makes a floating nest. Eggs hatch in about 25 days.
Migration: They are migrating birds
Whitin Pond: Seen on the pond during February and March. We did not notice any aggressive behavior.
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