American Coot

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American Coot in the UK

American Coot is a rare vagrant from North America, on the British List in Category A. There have been 10 accepted British records. The first was at Stodmarsh, Kent, in April 1996, and one was in Cumbria in April 1999. The other eight were all in Scotland: four in the Outer Hebrides, two in Shetland and one each in Dumfries and Galloway and Highland. The most recent was at Loch of Spiggie, Shetland, from November 2024 to April 2025. Several have stayed for months, and one returned to Shetland in later winters.

Where and when to see an American Coot

Freshwater lochs in the far north and west of Scotland from November to April. Loch of Spiggie RSPB in Shetland and the Balranald RSPB area on North Uist have each held one. Arrivals follow autumn Atlantic storms, and birds are often found in November once they settle with wildfowl. Most then stay put for the winter, so there is usually time to travel. On islands where Eurasian Coot is itself scarce, every coot deserves a second look.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Lakes (very rare vagrant).
Diet: Aquatic plants.
Field note: White sides to undertail.

How to identify an American Coot

Slightly smaller than a Eurasian Coot, with a slate-grey body that contrasts with a blacker head and neck. The white bill has a dark band near the tip, and the white frontal shield is small, topped with a dark red-brown swelling. The best mark from behind is the undertail: white patches at the sides, like a Moorhen, where Eurasian Coot is all dark. It swims and dives like a coot and often feeds on land at the water's edge.

Call and song

Often quiet in Britain. Calls are hoarse croaks, grunts and clucks, rougher and lower than the sharp, explosive "kowk" and "pix" of Eurasian Coot. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Eurasian Coot: Eurasian Coot has an all-dark undertail, a larger pure white shield and no dark band on the bill.
• Common Moorhen: Moorhen shares the white undertail sides but is smaller and browner, with a red and yellow bill and a white line along the flank.

Related guide Rare birds in the UK.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the American Coot is a Legendary tier bird, worth +50 points when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Eurasian CootCommon · Lakes
• BuffleheadLegendary · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• Pied-billed GrebeLegendary · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• Falcated DuckEpic · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• Ferruginous DuckRare · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• White-headed DuckLegendary · Lakes (very rare)

American Coot: quick answers

Has an American Coot ever been seen in the UK?

Yes, ten times. The first was in Kent in 1996 and the latest in Shetland in winter 2024-25. A separate bird was recorded in County Cork, Ireland, in 1981.

Where can I see an American Coot in the UK?

Only when one is found, and the place to expect it is a loch in Shetland or the Outer Hebrides. Eight of the ten British birds were in Scotland. The good news for twitchers is that they tend to stay for weeks or months.

What is the difference between American Coot and Eurasian Coot?

Check the rear end and the bill. American Coot has white sides to the undertail and a dark ring near the bill tip, with a small shield capped dark red. Eurasian Coot is dark under the tail with a plain white bill and a broad white shield. American also shows more contrast between head and body.

Kit that helps

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