AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) 



Coots are plump, slate-gray duck-like birds with scalloped toes. They 

 inhabit the open water of rivers and deep ponds, feeding primarily on 

 submerged vegetation. These noisy, gregarious birds with harsh, grating 

 calls have the curious habit of pumping their heads back and forth as 

 they swim as if to assist in propelling themselves forward. In taking off 

 from the water the coot requires a long running takeoff, paddling the water 

 loudly while building up speed for the takeoff. The coot builds a floating 

 nest which is anchored to emerging pond vegetation. The female lays a 

 clutch of up to a dozen eggs, which are soon converted to downy, black 

 young with red-orange heads. Coots are common on ponds, lakes, and 

 rivers in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. 



Killdeer 



Robert C.Cildart 



COMMON SNIPE (Capella gallinago) 



In the world of avian specialization, the snipe is the specialist in probing. 

 The bill of the snipe has a flexible tip for locating and seizing its worm 

 prey. During the mating season snipes produce a mechanical winnowing 

 sound with their tail during a steep sky dive. This unusual mechanical 

 sound is used in courtship and is usually performed at night or on overcast 

 days. To produce this unusual sound, the snipe flies to a great height, 

 then dives earthward. As it descends, air pressure against two stiff outer 

 tail feathers cause them to vibrate, producing the winnowing sound. The 

 snipe inhabits the borders of marshes in bgth Yellowstone and Grand 

 Teton. A small, short-legged, long-billed wading bird, the snipe remains 

 hidden until flushed and then explodes in a rapid zigzag flight pattern 

 while uttering a raspy "scaipe" note. 



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