American Coot
by Nikolyn McDonald
Title
American Coot
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
The sighting of an American coot (Fulica americana) on a local lake in early April was an unusual one for me as I'd never seen one in eastern Nebraska before. It must have been migrating north for summer breeding. Also called mud hens, these birds are not ducks. They have lobed scales on their legs (just visible in this photo) and toes that fold back when they walk (rather than webbed feet); this means they can walk on dry land more easily than ducks. Although, to my knowledge, I'd never seen one before, coots are classified "of least concern" and actually quite common in North America.
Uploaded
January 10th, 2024
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