American Coot
This is the American Coot – the Bold Swimmer of Freshwater Marshes
Common across North America’s lakes, ponds, and marshes, the American Coot is a chunky, slate-gray bird with a distinctive white bill and bright red eyes. Unlike ducks, it has lobed toes that act like paddles, making it a strong and agile swimmer.
It feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish, often diving underwater with surprising speed. Known for its noisy calls and social behavior, it gathers in large flocks, especially in winter.
Tough and adaptable, the American Coot plays an important role in wetland ecosystems — a reminder that even the less flashy birds hold their ground and thrive in nature’s watery worlds.
