American Coot

About the American Coot

A plump, slate-gray waterbird that looks duck-like but is not a duck at all, the American Coot belongs to the rail family and paddles on lobed, greenish toes rather than webbed feet. Its dark body is set off by a bright white bill and forehead shield and a piercing red eye, and it pumps its head comically back and forth as it swims.

Coots are constantly busy, diving and dabbling for aquatic plants, algae, and small animals, and scrambling ashore to graze on grass. Squabbling and social, they gather in big, noisy rafts and patter across the water on running takeoffs when alarmed.

In Texas the American Coot is abundant from fall through winter - and a local breeder - crowding lakes, ponds, marshes, and park waters across the state, with some present year-round.

A note from behind the lens: their abundance and tameness make coots great practice, and that white bill and red eye reward a close, low frame. Watch for head-pumping swimmers, splashy takeoffs, and territorial chases, and use soft light to lift detail from the dark plumage.