American Coot on water
American Coot (Fulica americana) Photo Credit: Janet Bauer

Feeding Habits: Coots dive for a variety of aquatic plants, and also eat snails, small fish and insects.

Unique Features: The American Coot is not a duck, even though it behaves like one. The coot is more closely related to shore birds like rails and cranes. Flocks of coots will huddle tightly together when being hunted by bald eagles.