An American Coot feeds its offspring

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cr_wildlife

cr_wildlife

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American Coots have a number of peculiar breeding habits. Despite building their own nest and laying an average of 9 eggs, females also lay eggs in nests of other pairs. As many as 40% of nests have been parasitized in this way. Hatchling American Coots are quite strange looking, with their spiky orange body and head feathers, seen clearly here. They take to swimming right after hatching and are fed by both parents. Studies have revealed that parents have a preference for brighter colored offspring, resulting in the offspring with the brightest color being fed the most. This photo show an adult delivering food to one of its offspring right at sunset.
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