American Coot

Description:

At difference from ducks, coots have broad, lobed scales on their lower legs and toes that fold back with each step in order to facilitate walking on dry land. Red eyes, black coat, with 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.

Habitat:

Spotted at central Park, New York. A migratory bird that occupies most of North America.

Notes:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae Genus: Fulica Species: F. americana