What is a "coot"?

A coot is a medium-sized water bird that belongs to the rail family. With a distinctive appearance, coots have a dark-gray or black plumage, a white bill, and a prominent white frontal shield on their forehead. They are characterized by their lobed toes, which are adapted for swimming and walking on aquatic vegetation. Coots are highly adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of wetland habitats such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They are known for their raucous calls and aggressive behavior, often engaging in territorial disputes with other coots. Coots primarily feed on aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates, diving underwater to search for food. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their feet and wings for propulsion.