American coots (Fulica americana) are funny, funny birds. They're not ducks, but are sort of the "chickens of the sea," because their shape is more chickenlike and they can be found on both fresh and salt water bodies. They may have the best feet of any bird around — I call them fern feet.

American coot, Central Park Reservoir, April 3, 2021

American coot, Central Park Reservoir, April 3, 2021

American coot at the Reservoir, Central Park, showing up a “fern foot” underwater, February 26, 2022

American coot, the Reservoir, Central Park, Jan. 9, 2018

American coot, the Reservoir, Central Park, Jan. 9, 2018

A coot's behind, showing those strange feet

A coot's behind, showing those strange feet