Fairly common coot of lowlands. Found on fresh to brackish ponds and lakes; also marshy wetlands with little open water. Often near cover, rarely far out on open water. Walks on shore more than other coots. As well as the diagnostic dark red forehead shield and bright yellow bill, note the big white wedges under the tail, which with behavior, often suggest a gallinule as much as a coot. Juvenile is dark overall with whitish throat and dull bill and shield. Often occurs in same areas as Red-gartered Coot.