American Coot

Fulica americana

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Brief #

All black plumage, with red eyes and a short, thick, white bill and white frontal shield.

Synonyms #

  • Focha americana (Spanish)
  • Galiñola negra americana (Galician)

Red List Status #

The American Coot is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Adults have all black plumage, with red eyes, a short, thick, white bill and white frontal shield, which usually has a reddish-brown spot near the top of the bill between the eyes. Males and females look alike, but females are smaller. Juvenile birds have olive-brown crowns and a gray body. They become adult-colored around 4 months of age.

Measurements #

Length: 33 - 43 cm
Wingspan: 58 - 71 cm
Weight: 4.27 - 0.84 kg

Similar species #