Also charmingly known as “mud hens,” American Coots eat
mainly plants, which they obtain by diving, scavenging on land, and occasionally
stealing from ducks. Coots are superficially duck-like, but are actually
related to other birds you’ve never heard of like the Sora and the
Purple Gallinule. This family of birds specializes in large, wide, lobed
toes (unlike the webbed feet of ducks).
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Look at those weird toes. But don't stare, it's not polite. |
American coots are horrible parents, and make no secret that
they favour some of their children over others. Baby coots with the brightest
orange plume feathers get fed the most by Mom and Dad; so despite having bright
feathers that attract predators and don’t keep them warm, they won’t starve to
death like their less-cute siblings.
I saw these two coots at Reifel Bird Sanctuary on January 20.
I saw these two coots at Reifel Bird Sanctuary on January 20.
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