This American Coot was photographed at the McKinley Boat Mariana in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the American Coot

A swimmer bird that is a blackish color with a white bill and a white patch under the tail. Its big feet are lobed. When swimming it pumps it head back and forth. It dives to eat mostly plant material such seaweed, leaves, grasses, and algae. It also eats insects, fish, tadpoles, worms, snails, and crayfish. Coots like to flock on the water as they are resting and feeding. They have a habitat of ponds, lakes, marshes, marinas, and park ponds. I have seen them mostly at marinas, and park ponds.