American Coots, January 11, 2017

ABC Wednesday and Wild Bird Wednesday

A is for American Coots - grey, duck-sized birds seen on North American lakes and marshes.

American Coots, Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, December 5, 2016

It was raining when I made these photos, but I guess rain does not matter to birds that spend most of their time swimming. They were busily foraging for food. Their main food source is aquatic plants, but they come on shore to eat grass, seeds, grain, and insects. Water pollution is the biggest threat to their health and safety.

American Coots, Fulica Americana, are heavy birds with short wings. They require long, running take-offs to get airborne.



And look at those feet! When they take a step the toes spread out, giving them more support on muddy, marshy ground.

Have a wonderful day!

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