Caribbean coot

Scientific name: Fulica caribaea

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Caribbean coots are dark slate-gray to blackish waterfowl with a distinctive white frontal shield on the forehead and white bill. They resemble other coots but are generally darker overall with the prominent white facial markings being the key identification feature.

Size and weight

Weight 450–680 g; body length 35–40 cm. Males typically slightly larger than females.

Habitat

Caribbean coots inhabit freshwater and brackish wetlands including marshes, ponds, lakes, and coastal lagoons with emergent vegetation. They prefer areas with dense reeds, cattails, and aquatic plants from sea level to moderate elevations.

Distribution

Endemic to the Caribbean region, found across islands including Jamaica, Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, with populations distributed across freshwater and brackish wetland systems throughout their range.

Diet

Caribbean coots are omnivorous, foraging on aquatic vegetation, seeds, algae, small invertebrates, and occasionally small fish and crustaceans, with plant matter dominating their diet year-round.

Behaviour

Primarily diurnal and crepuscular, Caribbean coots are gregarious and often seen in small to moderate flocks on open water or in marsh vegetation. They dive readily when feeding and are vocal birds, producing characteristic kicking and splashing sounds when alarmed or taking flight.

Hunting tips

Look for tracks in soft mud along marsh margins and droppings on feeding platforms or resting spots near vegetation. Approach wetland edges during early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active in open water. Use natural vegetation for concealment and move slowly to avoid startling birds into deeper water or dense reeds.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.