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Presidio of San Francisco View of Marin Headlands from the coastal bluffs
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Presidio of San Francisco
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
 
American Coot
Will Elder, NPS
American Coot at Mountain Lake
 

Natural History: The Coot tends to forage underwater mostly on submerged aquatic plants, but it also feeds on insects and small fish. It builds large, woven platform nests among emergent vegetation over water. Although territorial by nature, this monogamous species is gregarious. Its breeding season runs from April to September

General Distribution: In the Presidio, coots can be found in bays, ponds, marshes, and tidal sand areas where they breed.

Frequency: This species is common year round.

Identifying Characteristics: This species can be identified by its slate-gray color with a white bill, and its tendency to dabble and dive.

Presidio Birds main page

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San Francisco Campion, a rare plant found in the Presidio

Did You Know?
Thirteen plants found at the Presidio have been designated as rare, threatened, or endangered by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and/or the California Native Plant Society.
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Last Updated: February 23, 2008 at 16:19 MST