General Description: American Coots (Fulica americana) are black, duck-like birds with a white bill and white on the tail. Adults have a red spot on the forehead. Compare with Common Moorhen.

Favored Habitat: Shallow ponds and marshes; lawns.

Where to Find: Urban ponds such as the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Lorenzi Park, and Sunset Park are good, but for more natural settings, visit the Pahranagat Valley or the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Coots eat grass, pond weeds, aquatic bugs, and stale white bread.