December 11, 2011
American Coot
Although it is often seen swimming with ducks, this small waterfowl is not itself a duck. It is a member of the Rail Family (Rallidae). Instead of the familiar webbed feet seen on ducks and gulls, its feet have long toes with lobes, Easy to recognize because it is black with a white bill, this bird also exhibits the unusual swimming behavior of moving its head back and forth, somewhat like a chicken.
Photo by Miren Etcheverry