American Coot

About the American Coot

A dark, duck-like waterbird with a bright white bill and oversized lobed toes built for swimming and walking on marshy ground.

Fun Facts

• American Coots are not ducks—they are more closely related to rails.
• Their long toes have special lobes that help them swim efficiently.
• Coots often patter across the water while flapping their wings to take off.
• They can be surprisingly aggressive, chasing and splashing at other birds.