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Are There American Coots in Tennessee?

Yes, American Coots are common to abundant visitors to Tennessee during fall and winter months. These small water birds arrive from northern breeding grounds in September and remain through May on the state's extensive network of reservoirs, lakes, and river impoundments. Tennessee's major waterways provide ideal habitat for large wintering populations.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.

American Coot photographed in Tennessee

American Coot · Daughter Dad CC BY

American Coot photographed in Tennessee

American Coot · Jonathan Eisen CC BY

American Coot photographed in Tennessee

American Coot · Gavin Slater CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Tennessee
55,861
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, american coots are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:

Yes, American Coots are common to abundant visitors to Tennessee during fall and winter months. These small water birds arrive from northern breeding grounds in September and remain through May on the state's extensive network of reservoirs, lakes, and river impoundments. Tennessee's major waterways provide ideal habitat for large wintering populations.

Where in Tennessee the American Coot is Found

American Coots are distributed throughout Tennessee in suitable wetland and open water habitats. The Tennessee River valley contains numerous impoundments and reservoirs supporting massive coot populations. Kentucky Lake, the largest of the Tennessee Valley Authority reservoirs, hosts thousands of coots during winter months. Barkley Lake and Lake Barkley support substantial populations in Kentucky and Tennessee. Watts Bar Lake, Norris Lake, and other TVA reservoirs throughout the valley provide consistent habitat. Reelfoot Lake in northwestern Tennessee is particularly important for wintering coots in deeply flooded cypress swamps. Pickwick Lake on the Tennessee-Alabama-Mississippi border concentrates coots during winter. Lakes including Cumberland Lake and Dale Hollow Lake in central Tennessee support seasonal populations. The Cumberland River and associated impoundments host scattered populations. Small farm ponds and private lakes throughout the state provide secondary habitat. VisitTennessee's wildlife hubto find more waterfowl species across the state. Seethe American Coot guide for Tennesseefor more.

Season and Timing

American Coots follow a distinct seasonal pattern in Tennessee. Early fall migrants begin arriving in August and September from northern breeding grounds. Migration continues through October with peak populations establishing by November. The largest concentrations occur from December through February when most wintering populations are present. Winter numbers can reach tens of thousands on major reservoirs during cold years. Spring migration occurs in April and May as birds depart for northern breeding areas. Small breeding populations establish in late April and May on selected lakes and reservoirs. Some coots linger through late May on northern reservoirs before departing for Canadian breeding grounds. Summer records become increasingly rare by June and July though small populations remain year-round in some years. By late August, fall migration returns large numbers to the state. This highly predictable pattern makes Tennessee a premier coot observation destination during winter months. Seethe Tennessee wildlife guidefor more.

How to Identify an American Coot

American Coots are small, compact water birds averaging nine to ten inches in length. The body plumage is dark charcoal gray to black, creating a distinctive silhouette on water. The most striking field mark is the white bill with a black tip, contrasting dramatically against the dark head and body. The white shield on the forehead is relatively small and subtle. Adults possess bright red or reddish orange eyes, particularly obvious in good lighting. The feet are unwebbed and lobed, lacking the webbing of ducks. Juveniles are paler overall with dusky bills and shields that gradually whiten as they mature. In flight, the trailing legs extend behind the body creating a distinctive profile. Coots produce loud cackles, metallic squeals, and grunting sounds especially during breeding season. The combination of the white bill, dark body, and red eye makes identification straightforward for most observers. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Where Sightings Concentrate in Tennessee

Kentucky Lake, formed by damming the Tennessee River in Kentucky and Tennessee, supports exceptional numbers of coots. The massive surface area and shallow margins provide ideal habitat for thousands of wintering birds. Multiple public access areas allow viewing opportunities throughout the lake. Pickwick Lake in the western Tennessee Valley supports substantial populations accessible from Tennessee shorelines. Watts Bar Lake near Kingston provides viewing opportunities from several access points. Norris Lake, formed in the Powell River valley, concentrates coots during winter months. Cumberland Lake in central Tennessee offers viewing from designated access areas. Reelfoot Lake in northwestern Tennessee provides unique viewing opportunities among cypress swamps. The Tennessee River in various locations offers river access for observing coots. Smaller lakes and reservoirs throughout the state support secondary populations. Birding groups and the Tennesseewildlifegroup maintain updated sighting reports for major coot concentrations.

Typical Behavior

American Coots are highly social birds observed in flocks ranging from dozens to thousands. They remain almost entirely on water, rarely venturing onto land except to rest or nest. Coots feed by dabbling at the surface, tipping up like ducks, and diving to considerable depths. Their diet consists primarily of aquatic vegetation including algae, pondweeds, and various submerged plants. Supplementary foods include small fish, tadpoles, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Coots are active feeders throughout daylight hours with concentrated activity at dawn and dusk. They are highly vocal, producing loud cackles, metallic calls, and grunting sounds. Vocalizations intensify during breeding season when territories are established. In flight, coots appear heavy and ungainly, requiring a running start across the water to become airborne. Their swimming involves characteristic jerky head movements. Nesting occurs in marsh vegetation near water edges during breeding season.

Coexistence and Safety Notes

American Coots are protected migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and regulated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. These birds are not threatened or endangered and maintain stable populations throughout their range. Coots naturally avoid human contact and will swim away from shore when approached. Observers should maintain respectful distance from nesting birds during breeding season to prevent disturbance. Coots are territorial and aggressive toward each other and other waterfowl, engaging in spectacular combat displays over feeding areas. They are not dangerous to humans but will defend themselves if directly threatened. Boaters and anglers may encounter large coot flocks on Tennessee reservoirs and should avoid approaching birds unnecessarily. Never feed coots or other waterfowl, as artificial feeding creates harmful dependency and disease transmission. Their distinctive lobed feet leave characteristic tracks in mud and sandy areas around waterways.

Common Species People Confuse with American Coots

The Common Gallinule, formerly known as Common Moorhen, is most frequently confused with American Coots. Gallinules are slightly smaller with reddish frontal shields and red bills lacking the black tips of coots. They display yellow legs visible in flight, whereas coots have greenish legs. Pied-billed Grebes inhabit Tennessee waters and are sometimes mistaken for coots but are smaller, darker, and lack the white bill and shield. Grebes have more pointed bills. Horned Grebes appear during migration periods. Western Grebes are sleeker with elongated bodies. Eared Grebes are smaller and more refined than coots. Various duck species might briefly confuse inexperienced observers but differ substantially in body shape and behavior. Young geese could be mistaken for coots by novice birdwatchers. Rails inhabit marshes but are smaller and more secretive. Field guides are valuable for reliable identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are American Coots found year-round in Tennessee? Most American Coots are fall and winter visitors to Tennessee with smaller breeding populations during spring and early summer. Are coots common in Tennessee? Yes, Tennessee receives exceptional numbers of wintering coots, with tens of thousands present on major reservoirs during winter months. What do American Coots eat? Coots feed primarily on aquatic vegetation including algae, pondweeds, and submerged aquatic plants with supplementary small fish, tadpoles, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. What is the best time to see coots in Tennessee? December through February provides peak viewing opportunities when the largest winter populations concentrate on major reservoirs like Kentucky Lake and Pickwick Lake.

Plan your american coot sighting in Tennessee

55,861 verified american coot records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Tennessee

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent american coot sightings

  • Nickajack Dam--North Side · 2026-07-16 09:40 · 1 seen
  • Old Hickory Lake--Snow Bunting Peninsula · 2026-07-15 08:38 · 5 seen
  • J. Percy Priest Dam · 2026-07-14 15:40 · 5 seen
  • Oak Grove, Tennessee, US (36.568, -86.381) · 2026-07-11 10:54 · 1 seen
  • Chester Frost Park, Chattanooga US-TN 35.18272, -85.14100 · 2026-07-10 15:00 · 7 seen

Planning a trip to see american coot? Find places to stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail on Booking.com.

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