American Coot

Description:

The American Coot is a plump, chickenlike bird with a rounded head and a sloping bill. Their tiny tail, short wings, and large feet are visible on the rare occasions they take flight. Coots are dark-gray to black birds with a bright-white bill and forehead. The legs are yellow-green. At close range you may see a small patch of red on the forehead.

Habitat:

Belton Lake, Tx.

Notes:

I was looking out over the lake, which was pretty flat, when I noticed a disturbance a little less than half way across. I couldn't tell what was causing it until I pulled out my telephoto lens. A group of coot was swimming across the lake. When a bit more than half way across, they took off and flew the rest of the way to shore.