American Coot
American Coot at Reid Park in Tucson, AZ. Male and female American coots look the same except the females are smaller than the males. This is probably a female since she was smaller than some of the other coots seen at the same time. The American coot is also known as a mud hen. 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 in order 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.
© William S. Briggs
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to William S. Briggs. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the express, written permission of the photographer.