Bird · GBIF taxon 2474393
American Coot
Fulica americanaAlso known as Mud Hen, Pouldeau, Marsh Hen
American coots are plump, slate-gray marsh birds known for pumping their heads rhythmically back and forth as they paddle across freshwater lakes and marshes. Rather than webbed feet like ducks, they possess broad, lobed toes that enable agile swimming as well as efficient walking across floating mats of vegetation. During winter, they gather into massive, noisy rafts, loudly squawking and aggressively defending foraging territories from competitors and dabbling waterfowl.
WaterbirdWetlandsLobed Toes
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Pondweed
- Algae
- Aquatic insects
Predators
- Bald Eagle
- Northern Harrier
- Snapping Turtle
ThreatsWetland degradation, water pollution, pesticide contamination, and collisions with power lines
HabitatsFreshwater lakes, marshes, ponds, rivers, and coastal estuaries
Life span9–15 years (up to 22 years in the wild)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGruiformes
- FamilyRallidae
- GenusFulica
- SpeciesFulica americana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Scan the edges of shallow marsh vegetation where they forage in open water alongside ducks.
- Footwear Identification: Look for distinctive lobed, greenish toes whenever individuals walk along muddy banks.
Predator (c) Thibaud Aronson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Thibaud Aronson · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Roger Culos, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Gonzalo Zepeda Martínez, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Gonzalo Zepeda Martínez · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Becky Matsubara, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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