Critter: American Coot

Name: American coot

Description: This bird has blackish feathers with white under its tail, a white bill and lobed toes. A chunky bird, it is often mistakenly referred to as a duck and resembles a common moorhen.

Usual haunts: Found from southern Canada into South America. It often spends winters in Southern Arizona, on all open bodies of water.

Housing: During nesting season, it can be found in marshy areas near ponds and streams.

Eats: Dives to snatch aquatic vegetables and some small aquatic animals. It also grazes on meadow plants.

Offspring: Five to 12 pinkish eggs can be found on floating nests in areas with cattails or tules. Both parents care for the eggs. The baby coots begin to swim with their parents soon after they hatch.

Fascinating fact: Usually seen in flocks, this bird is so common that many birdwatchers do not appreciate it. Most hunters aren't interested either, as coots aren't too tasty.