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I saw a small group of American Coots at the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in mid December last year. They mingled with Mallards, but they are not ducks since their feet are not webbed. They are also called mud hens and are closely related to Moorhens or Common Gallinules.

American Coots at EBFG National Wildlife Refuge.

American Coots at EBFG National Wildlife Refuge.

American Coots are mainly dark, almost black, with a white face and red eyes, with a patch of red on their forehead. They mainly eat plants. Since they are not an endangered species, they may be hunted but not as much as ducks since hunters disdain their meat!

American Coot at EBF National Wildlife Refuge.

American Coot at EBF National Wildlife Refuge.

American Coot at EBF National Wildlife Refuge.

American Coot at EBF National Wildlife Refuge.