Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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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NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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12 comments:

  1. Hi Lea, these Coots sound like they'd be quite funny to watch taking off, with their long run ups needed.
    Their spread out feed would be good on lily pads too I guess.
    An interesting bird... thank you and cheerio for now :D)

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  2. Funny and beautiful looking birds!

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  3. Hello, nice captures of the Coots. They are neat looking birds, I like their weird feet. Enjoy your day!

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  4. Yeah we have Coots here too. they must be just about everywhere. Very interesting bird.
    MB

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  5. Love the coots!!!
    They're so verbal....fun to watch and listen to them.
    Good photos Lea

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  6. I'd love to see some ...especially when they are trying to get air borne... that could be funny........

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  7. Lovely birds indeed, I see them often in different zoo's

    Have a nice ABC-Wednesday / _ Week
    ♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (abc=w=team)
    http://melodymusic.nl/abc-wednesday-20a/

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  8. I read American coots and get an entirely different image!
    ROG, ABCW

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  9. The coots are such fun to watch. You got some great pictures!

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