American Coot (Fulica americana) is in the Rails, Gallinules, and Coots family (Rallidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 115,396 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: spring and fall migrant. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph American Coot: observations by month (U.S.)
About American Coot
The American coot (Fulica americana), also known as a mud hen, is a bird of the family Rallidae. Though commonly mistaken to be ducks, American coots belong to a distinct order. Unlike the webbed feet of ducks, coots have broad, lobed scales on their lower legs and toes that fold back with each step in order to facilitate walking on dry land. Coots live near water, typically inhabiting wetlands and open water bodies in North America....From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
American Coot by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 45,898 | January | Sep–Apr |
| Texas | 17,705 | March | Oct–Apr |
| Florida | 6,157 | January | Nov–Apr |
| Arizona | 5,735 | March | Oct–May |
| Washington | 4,691 | April | Oct–May |
| Oregon | 2,985 | March | Feb–Jan |
| Utah | 2,577 | April | Dec–May |
| Nevada | 2,501 | December | Nov–Oct |
| Illinois | 2,060 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Colorado | 1,959 | April | Sep–May |
| New York | 1,765 | November | Oct–Apr |
| Ohio | 1,743 | April | Jan–May |
| New Mexico | 1,476 | April | Sep–Jun |
| Minnesota | 1,352 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Idaho | 1,222 | April | Jan–May |
| Wisconsin | 1,145 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Louisiana | 991 | December | Oct–Apr |
| Virginia | 976 | March | Nov–Apr |
| Oklahoma | 951 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Maryland | 847 | March | Oct–Apr |
| Massachusetts | 828 | November | Oct–Apr |
| North Carolina | 761 | January | Nov–Apr |
| Pennsylvania | 736 | April | Oct–Apr |
| Tennessee | 727 | March | Oct–Apr |
| South Carolina | 678 | March | Nov–Apr |
| Indiana | 670 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Alabama | 652 | January | Oct–Apr |
| Michigan | 459 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Kansas | 451 | April | Mar–May |
| Georgia | 446 | March | Nov–Apr |
| New Jersey | 425 | November | Oct–Mar |
| Montana | 420 | July | Apr–Nov |
| Mississippi | 411 | November | Nov–Jan |
| Wyoming | 396 | July | May–Oct |
| Missouri | 394 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Arkansas | 301 | November | Oct–Nov |
| Iowa | 295 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Nebraska | 268 | April | Mar–May |
| North Dakota | 227 | June | Apr–Sep |
| South Dakota | 227 | April | Apr–Aug |
| Delaware | 214 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Alaska | 170 | November | Oct–Dec |
| Kentucky | 132 | March | Feb–Apr |
| West Virginia | 94 | November | Oct–Nov |
| Connecticut | 70 | March | Nov–Mar |
| District of Columbia | 59 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Vermont | 52 | October | Oct–Jan |
| Rhode Island | 46 | November | Oct–Nov |
| Maine | 45 | December | Oct–Dec |
| New Hampshire | 6 | November | Oct–Nov |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph American Coot?
Nationally, March has the most observations, with the main season from October to May.
Where is American Coot most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Texas, Florida.