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Fulica americana
This waterfowl is gray with a white bill that has a red-brown band near the tip and red-brown spot on the top. There is yellow in front of the red-brown spot that extends down just past the red eyes. "Measuring 34–43 cm (13–17 in) in length and 58–71 cm (23–28 in) across the wings, adults have 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. Body mass in females ranges from 427 to 628 g (0.94 to 1.38 lb) and in males from 576 to 848 g (1.27 to 1.87 lb)" - Wikipedia
San Diego Zoo Safari Park but this one was wild and was enjoying the splendors of the park! "Their breeding habitat is marshes from southern Quebec to the Pacific coast of North America and as far south as northern South America. Birds from temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains migrate to the southern United States and southern British Columbia. " - Wikipedia
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Spotted on Apr 3, 2012
Submitted on Apr 7, 2012
5 Comments
Thank you! This one had me stumped :)
I agree with American Coot (Fulica americana). Some birds, especially Southern birds, tend to have yellow on the headplate. The White-winged Coot's headplate would be almost/completely yellow.
American coot
Rallidae family
Thank you Satyen :)
Nice pic, Cindy.