The Coot is a waterbird recognizable by its completely black plumage and the distinctive white patch at the base of its bill. Coots are skilled swimmers and feed mainly on aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and fish. They breed in the spring, building floating nests among the dense vegetation along the shores of lakes and ponds, and sometimes even on boats and in harbors. Coots can be aggressive in defending their territory, even against other species of ducks.