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American Coot
Fulica americana
33.0335, -116.879
Field Notes
Description:
Black and gray bird with silver beak and red eyes. The feet are yellow and black and resemble leaves. This one was part of a group called a cover or raft. The chicks can be seen at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/11895032 and the juvenile at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12693269
Habitat:
Small pond in Ramona amongst Mallards and American Widgeons.
Notes:
The video was taken two weeks later in Escondido and shows the playful and defensive sides to this bird. "Although coots seem rather weak fliers, like most rails they have considerable stamina once airborne. These birds require a great deal of effort to become airborne, pedaling across the water with their feet before lifting off. The way in which their heads bob when they walk or swim has earned them the name "marsh hen"or "mud hen"." - Wikipedia
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