THE COOT 247 
half flying, half running, as do some of the 
heavier and clumsier sea-fowl. 
This bird gets much of its food by diving and 
swims well under water, using its wings in con- 
junction with its long, lobed feet, which are a 
most serviceable pair of paddles. 
In summer the separate families keep by 
themselves, but when in the fall the young are 
fully fledged and ready for business flocks of 
considerable size are formed preparatory to 
migrating. Our sportsmen seldom trouble the 
Coots in ponds where much duck shooting is 
done from blinds, since their flocks often 
serve to decoy passing birds, which, seeing 
the Coots swimming unconcernedly about, alight 
near them, taking it for granted that all is safe 
because of their presence. Perhaps, too, the 
quality of their flesh may account in part for 
their immunity from pursuit and the semi-pro- 
tection afforded them, though the bird is a 
cleanly feeder and lives for the most part on 
vegetable food. 
The general tone of the Coot’s plumage is a 
dark slate color, growing lighter and grayer 
below, darkening on the head and neck. Dusky 
greenish on the back; tail blackish; crissum 
