American coot

American coot is found in Canada, from British Columbia east to southern Ontario and Quebec and Nova Scotia, south through the U.S. and Mexico to Panama, the West Indies, Costa Rica and Hawaii.

• Propels through the water with its lobed feet in search of aquatic plants and animals
• During the breeding season, launches “splatter-attacks” on intruding birds in defense of its nesting territory
• Chicks swim almost immediately upon hatching, but remain with the parents for 7–10 weeks