American Coot

Description
15". A gray, duck-like bird with a white bill and frontal shield, white undertail coverts, and lobed toes. The frontal shield has a red swelling at its upper edge, visible at close range. Immatures similar but paler, with duller bill.
Voice
A variety of clucks, cackles, grunts, and other harsh notes.
Habitat
Open ponds and marshes; in winter , also on coastal bays and inlets.
Nesting
8-10 pinkish eggs, spotted with brown, on a shallow platform of dead leaves and stems, usually on the water but anchored to a clump of reeds.
Other
Other
Picture
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