Introduction
Hello and welcome to a website dedicated to an awkward bird
called the American Coot! When you see pictures of this
bird you will think it's just a different species of a duck but
you are, in fact, wrong. The American Coot, also known as
Fulica americana, is most closely
related to some different species of birds rather than the duck.
Click here to find out how closely related the American Coot is
to several other species of birds.
Where might you find this "graceful" creature? Well that
depends on the time of year. These birds have unique nesting
grounds and can be seen throughout North and South America.
Just be sure to look for these birds along waterways. You
might not even expect it but the American Coot can actually be found
on water features of golf courses. So next time you go out
golfing just remember that the American Coots are not targets!
If you want to find out more about where you can find the American Coot,
click here.
Even though I have already told you that the American Coot is not a duck you might be wondering how it is different. One huge difference, and yes I do mean HUGE, is the feet of the American Coot. The feet are especially adapted for the American Coot based on habitat and food acquisition. Click here to get a look at the feet and learn more about how the American Coot has adapted to their lifestyles and habitats.
Speaking of food acquisition, a Coot has to eat! The American Coot feeds on numerous organisms all depending on availability and location. American Coots are omnivores meaning they feed on autotrophs (do make their own food, i.e. plants) and heterotrophs (do not make their own food, i.e. insects). To get a better idea of what these Coots are snacking on click here.
One major fact of life is reproduction and the American Coots are no exception to this. Displays and calls are how the Coots find their mates just like we (humans) go out on dates and such. The postures and gestures the potential pairs participate in are crucial for completing the reproduction process. The young Coots that hatch out of the pinkish eggs with brown spots look nothing like the adult Coots. To find out more about how the American Coot begins its life click here.
The phrase "as crazy as a coot" might have come from the
interactions between American Coots and others. When it
comes to territory the Coots are very defensive and aggressive.
In some cases American Coots can recognize when a young chick is
not their own. Click here to find out about what happens to the
baby chicks and other interactions between the Coots and other
organisms.
So have a look around and enjoy all the information on the
American Coot! Be sure to check out the
Gallery with several pictures of the American Coot and if you have
any questions or comments check out the
Contact Me page.
Be sure to check out more organisms at Multiple Organisms!
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