American coot Fulica Americana

Family Ralidae (Rails, Gallinules, Coots): Marsh birds with short tails & short rounded wings.

Description:

• Overall black- darkest on head & neck
• Outer undertail coverts are white
• Stubby white bill with dark band near tip
• Legs: greenish-gray in juveniles, yellow to orange in adults
• Lobed toes on large feet

Flight: Has a running take off, but then flies strongly. Often walks on lawns & golf courses to graze

Habitat: Common on ponds & marshes, Often in large tight flocks on water & land. Year-round resident. Food: dives for submerged aquatic vegetation; brings to the surface to eat. Grazes on grass.