***Federal - MBTA***
***NY- Game Species***

    Coots are a common member of the rail family and are most often seen during migration and as a winter resident, but they do nest in some of the larger wetlands and marshes.  More duck-like in habits than other rails, Coots also more closely associate with ducks than rails.  They can be identified by their all black bodies and stubby grey bills.  Their feet are not webbed, but the toes are expanded into lobes that help propel them along in the water.  They feed on aquatic vegetation and will feed on the surface or dive for their food.  Their closest relative is the Common Moorhen (aka Common Gallinule) which is similar but the plumage is more blue and has a thin white line along the side.  The bill of a Gallinule is yellow and red, and although it is seldom seen in the field the feet are not lobed.  Moorhens spend more time hidden among the reeds than Coots and are generally less common.