American Coot

Size: 13-16 inches

Can be found in ponds, marshes, lakes, on the edges of the Bay, and city parks.

Sounds: croaking kuk and ka-ha-ha

Food: mostly algae, some fish, tadpoles, worms, snails, insects, crustaceans, insects and eggs of other birds.

Surface dips, steals food from ducks.

Nest: floating (fresh water)

In Marin: year round

Coots are not ducks. They do not have webbed feet.





Photo courtesy of Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences
© 1999 California Academy of Sciences