Coot is a water bird. These coots are medium sized and are members of the rail family. These species are found in South America and have likely originated from there. These rails are mainly black in plumage and these rails can be seen easily. These coots swim in open waters rather than loitering in reed beds. These tend to have short and rounded wings and are weak fliers. Some species of coots are unable of flying and covering long distances. These coots have eminent forward guards and white under tails. They have lobed toes. The coots have strong legs and are well adopted for soft, uneven surfaces. They can walk and run very fast. These birds are generally omnivorous.