Eunoia
UNLESS SOMEONE LIKE YOU CARES A WHOLE AWFUL LOT, NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER IT'S NOT - Dr. Seuss
Coots, Common Snipe
The American Coot is a common waterbird in BC, found in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and reservoirs. Though native, coots are regulated as a hunting species in certain areas to manage populations and protect wetland habitats.
Yellow Listed
Human Health Hazard
Conservation Status
Syilx
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Description
Adults are medium-sized waterbirds, measuring 36–41 cm with a wingspan of 58–71 cm, and weighing 400–600 g. They have dark gray to black bodies, white bills, red eyes, and greenish legs with lobed toes for swimming. Juveniles are duller with brownish plumage.
Habitat
Coots occupy freshwater wetlands, ponds, lakes, and slow rivers, often with emergent vegetation for cover. They can also tolerate urban reservoirs and agricultural wetlands.
Food
Coots are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They feed by dabbling, diving, and picking vegetation from the surface.
Social System, Activity & Movements
They are social birds, forming large flocks in winter. During breeding, coots are territorial, and pairs defend their nests aggressively.
Reproduction & Parental Care
Breeding occurs in spring and summer, with females laying 6–12 eggs in floating or emergent nests. Both parents incubate eggs for about 21–24 days and care for the precocial chicks, which leave the nest shortly after hatching but remain with the parents for several weeks.
Natural Mortality & Predators
Predators include raptors, raccoons, mink, and snapping turtles (for eggs and chicks). Adults face regulated hunting and occasional predation.
Credit
ChatGPT