The American Coot

The American Coot (Fulica americana) is actually in the Rail family but acts much like waterfowl species such as Northeen Shovelers, Mallard ducks, etc. They have some of the oddest body shapes for a creature out there with a small head with red eyes, a large inky-colored body with large unwebbed feet and a call like a small trumpet. They seem to defy physics by migrating and running on water when needing to take flight in open water. 

I conducted my senior project on American Coot (Fulica americana) foraging behavior at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS). I was able to witness a lot of varying behaviors that extended past foraging. to simplify a 3 month long study, I found that the American Coot at this marsh were largely prefering to dive for their food when in flocks. I also got to witness their interactions with waterfowl and river otters and Northern Harriers, both avid hunters of the Coot at the marsh.