American coot old. The American coot is a migratory bird that occupies most of North America. It lives in the Pacific and southwestern United States and Mexico year-round and occupies more northeastern regions during the summer breeding season. In the winter they can be found as far south as Panama. Coots generally build floating nests and lay 8–12 eggs per clutch. Females and males have similar appearances, but they can be distinguished during aggressive displays by the larger ruff (head plumage) on the male. American coots eat primarily algae and other aquatic plants but also animals (both vertebrates and invertebrates) when available.
Eurasian coot Eurasian coot The Eurasian coot ("Fulica atra"), also known as the common coot, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae. The scientific name is from Latin; "Fulica" is "coot", and "atra" is "black". It is found in Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Africa. The Australian subspecies is known as the Australian coot. The coot breeds across much of the Old World on freshwater lakes and ponds. It occurs and breeds in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The species has recently expanded its range into New Zealand. It is resident in the milder parts of