What does the American Coot eat?

The American Coot's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily consuming aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, small fish, and invertebrates.

How it forages

Forages by dabbling, diving, and grazing on land. They often dive to retrieve submerged vegetation, or pick seeds and insects from the water surface. They also graze on grasses and other plants near the water's edge. They can be seen stealing food from ducks.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during daylight hours for foraging and social interactions.

Explore the American Coot