Birds of North America
Puzzle 56 · Marshes and Fresh Water · Page 80 in print
American Coot
An American Coot usually needs a running start to fly. It beats its wings while racing across the water before finally lifting off.
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The words
Algae
Aquatic food eaten by coots.
Eelgrass
A plant included in the diet.
Food Theft
Coots sometimes take food from ducks and other birds.
Frontal Shield
The forehead plate above the bill.
Hydrilla
A submerged plant eaten by coots.
Lobed Toes
Broad-edged toes that help propel the bird through water.
Nest Ramp
A sloping approach to the floating nest.
Reservoirs
Artificial lakes used by coots.
Salamanders
Small vertebrate prey sometimes eaten.
Takeoff Run
A long run across the water before flight.
Waterfowl
Birds with which coots may mix in winter flocks.
White Bill
The pale bill contrasts with dark adult plumage.
Wild Celery
An aquatic food plant.
Wild Rice
An aquatic seed-producing food plant.
Yellow-green
The color of the adult’s legs.
Sources
- American Coot: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Coot: IdentificationCornell Lab of Ornithology