140 



AMERICAN COOT 



221. Fulica americana. 15 in. 



Bill and frontal shield as in the gallinules, but the 

 bill is whitish with a blackish ring near the tip; each 

 individual toe is furnished with a large scalloped web; 

 otherwise their plumage is grayish like that of the 

 Florida Gallinule. Coots are, locally, very abundant 

 throughout temperate North America in summer. Like 

 gallinules, they inhabit reedy pools, sluggish streams 

 and boggy marshes, where they are at least safe from 

 human pursuit. They conceal themselves among the 

 reeds, so as to escape observation, taking wing only 

 when they are obliged to. They are expert swimmers, 

 and can dive and swim for long distances under water; 

 in this respect they have a decided advantage over the 

 rails and gallinules. 



Nest. Like that of the gallinules; 6 to 15 grayish 

 eggs, finely speckled with black (1.80x1.30). May, 

 June. 



Range. Breeds throughout temperate America, rare 

 on the North Atlantic coast; winters in southern U. S. 



