American Coot

Winter-time visitor to the Delta. You’ll quickly recognize an American Coot by its paper-white beak and bulky black body. Although it looks like a relative of the Duck or the Chicken, the Coot is more closely related to the Crane. Its oversized feet have individual toes that are partially webbed to boost its swimming; The webs fold out of the way while the Coot walks on land. The saying “mean old coot” when referring to a cantankerous person comes from the Coot’s habit of aggressively attacking perceived invaders during nesting season.