American coot
Fulica americana
The American coot (Fulica americana), also known as a mud hen or pouldeau, is a bird of the family Rallidae.
About the American coot
The American coot (Fulica americana), also known as a mud hen or pouldeau, is a bird of the family Rallidae. Though commonly mistaken for ducks, American coots are only distantly related to ducks, belonging to a separate order. Unlike the webbed feet of ducks, coots have broad, lobed scales on their lower legs and toes that fold back with each step to facilitate walking on dry land. Coots live near water, typically inhabiting wetlands and open water bodies in North America. Groups of coots are called covers or rafts. The oldest known coot lived to be 22 years old. The American coot is a migratory bird that occupies most of North America. It lives in the Pacific and southwestern United States and Mexico year-round and occupies more northeastern regions during the summer breeding season. In
Fun Facts About American coot
- The oldest known coot lived to be 22 years old.
- It lives in the Pacific and southwestern United States and Mexico year-round and occupies more northeastern regions during the summer breeding season.
- Coots generally build floating nests and lay 8–12 eggs per clutch.
- American coots display several interesting breeding habits; mothers will preferentially feed offspring with the brightest plume feathers, which has resulted in coot chicks having brightly ornamented plumage which becomes drabber as they age.
- Though commonly mistaken for ducks, American coots are only distantly related to ducks, belonging to a separate order.
Conservation Status
The American coot is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | Fulica americana |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Rallidae family: