American Coot

(Fulica americana)

The American Coot, sometimes called the mudhen, is the only bird with a white bill at Torrey Pines. It also has very distinctive red eyes. Their unusual lobed toes make them strong swimmers. However, they tend to be weak flyers and need long, noisy takeoffs from the water. They are fairly aggressive birds - when confronted they will lower their heads and arch their wings. If a standoff remains, they will splash water at each other with their wings until one backs down.