American Coot Photos and Videos
Adult
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.
© Daniel Irons / Macaulay LibraryArizona, January 07, 2020
Adult
On land appears rather chickenlike. Note the long lobed toes that help propel it in the water.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 05, 2015
Adults
Bulky-bodied, ducklike bird with small, pointed bill. Typically feeds from the surface of the water but sometimes dives.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew York, November 14, 2010
Juvenile
Juveniles are pale grayish below with a pale bill.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, July 09, 2017
Adult
With good views note the red eye and the white shield that is topped with red.
© Brad Imhoff / Macaulay LibraryOhio, March 22, 2020
Adult and chick
Right after hatching chicks have bare red spots on their heads, rusty-colored down around their head, and a red bill.
© Megan Buers / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, June 05, 2020
Adult
To get airborne, coots typically need to beat their wings while running across the water for many yards.
© August Davidson-Onsgard / Macaulay LibraryNew York, February 05, 2019
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The Four Keys to ID
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.
Relative Size
About two-thirds the size of a Mallard.
between robin and crowMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 15.5-16.9 in (39.4-42.9 cm)
- Weight: 21.2-24.7 oz (600-700 g)
- Wingspan: 23.0-25.0 in (58.4-63.5 cm)
- Color Pattern
- Behavior
- Habitat
