Their legs and toes are what set them apart from other waterfowl. With every step they take, their toes fold back, creating an unmistakable gait. Despite not being known for their elegance in flight, American Coots are capable of taking off and flying, albeit requiring a substantial runway. When in flight, they may appear to be walking on water, flapping their wings fervently. Although often seen in the company of ducks, their vocalizations are notably different.
Recognizing an American Coot is quite easy. They sport a sloping head, a white wedge-shaped bill, red eyes, and sometimes a small red patch on their heads. These birds are closely related to Sandhill Cranes and Rails.
As for their diet, American Coots primarily feed on aquatic plants, including algae, duckweed, eelgrass, sedges, hydrilla, and wild rice. However, they also consume insects, crustaceans, snails, as well as small vertebrates like tadpoles and salamanders.
One fascinating behavior exhibited by the American Coot is “conspecific brood parasitism.” Some hens lay their eggs in other hens’ nests, a practice that increases reproductive success under certain social and ecological conditions. Research revealed that in a 4-year study, 40% of American Coot nests were parasitized, and 13% of all eggs were laid by females in nests that were not their own. Additionally, American Coot chicks display strikingly orange-tipped ornamental plumes, known as “chick ornaments.” These vibrant traits are believed to be selected by parental choice and represent the first evidence of parental selection of exaggerated, ornamental traits in American coots.
The American Coot holds a “least concern” status on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. They are common and widespread, although sometimes considered pests. While not frequently hunted for their meat, they may be shot for sport, particularly in the southeastern United States. Due to their prevalence in wetlands, scientists use American Coots to monitor toxin levels and pollution in these crucial environments.
In conclusion, although the American Coot may not enjoy the same level of popularity as some other bird species, their unique characteristics and behaviors make them a captivating subject for study and observation. Watch the video below to catch a glimpse of these intriguing birds in action!
