How to Identify an American coot: Not a Mallard

Animal identifier ยท Birds

American coot identification photo
Photo: FrankBeckerDE / Pixabay

Fulica americana

Marshes and park ponds. Dark, with a white bill. Not a duck.

What does a american coot look like?

Dark, with a white bill. Not a duck.

What sign does it leave?

american coot tracks
Track diagram for identification. Compare it with the print in front of you.

Lobed toes, not a clean web.

Droppings

american coot droppings
Dropping diagram. Do not handle droppings.

Dark droppings on a marsh mat. Do not handle droppings.

Where you find it

Marshes and park ponds.

This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If a bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitator.

Often confused with a mallard. All animal identification pages.