American Coot
Also known as “mud hen”.
Often seen floating in Bluff Lake - identify them by their black feathers and white beak.
Often mistaken for a duck, but is actually only distantly related to ducks. Whereas ducks have webbed feet, the American Coot has scales on its lower legs and toes that fold back with each step to facilitate walking on dry land.
Groups of coots are called “covers” or “rafts”.
They generally build floating nests.
They can dive underwater for food, but can also forage and scavenge on land.
Primary food source is aquatic plants, especially algae, but they can also eat arthropods, fish, and other aquatic animals.
Aquatic insects and mollusks make up most of the diet for coot chicks.