File:Birds of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (197-?) (20197350748).jpg

Title: Birds of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Identifier: birdsofyellowsto00foll (find matches)
Year: (197-?) ((190s)
Authors: Follett, Dick; Yellowstone Library and Museum Association; United States. National Park Service
Subjects: Birds; Birds
Publisher: (Yellowstone National Park) : Yellowstone Library and Museum Association, in cooperation with National Park Service, U. S. Dept. of Interior
Contributing Library: Harold B. Lee Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Brigham Young University

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AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) Coots are plump, slate-gray duck-like birds with scalloped toes. They inhabit the open water of rivers and deep ponds, feeding primarily on submerged vegetation. These noisy, gregarious birds with harsh, grating calls have the curious habit of pumping their heads back and forth as they swim as if to assist in propelling themselves forward. In taking off from the water the coot requires a long running takeoff, paddling the water loudly while building up speed for the takeoff. The coot builds a floating nest which is anchored to emerging pond vegetation. The female lays a clutch of up to a dozen eggs, which are soon converted to downy, black young with red-orange heads. Coots are common on ponds, lakes, and rivers in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Text Appearing After Image:
Killdeer Robert C. Gildart COMMON SNIPE (Capella gallinago) In the world of avian specialization, the snipe is the specialist in probing. The bill of the snipe has a flexible tip for locating and seizing its worm prey. During the mating season snipes produce a mechanical winnowing sound with their tail during a steep sky dive. This unusual mechanical sound is used in courtship and is usually performed at night or on overcast days. To produce this unusual sound, the snipe flies to a great height, then dives earthward. As it descends, air pressure against two stiff outer tail feathers cause them to vibrate, producing the winnowing sound. The snipe inhabits the borders of marshes in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. A small, short-legged, long-billed wading bird, the snipe remains hidden until flushed and then explodes in a rapid zigzag flight pattern while uttering a raspy "scaipe" note. 32

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