Caribbean Coot?

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: While visiting the Miami Metro Zoo yesterday I found a Caribbean Coot? These used to be a separate species according to A.B.A. they do not consider it one any more. A Guide To The Birds Of The West Indies still seems to consider it a valid species; the A.O.U. has it on their list as well. Field Guide to the Birds of North America by National Geographic as well as the Sibley guide; mentions that some male American Coots have this extensive white frontal shield. The books also mention that there are no documented records of a Caribbean Coot. : : The Caribbean Coot was seen in the pond where the Greater Flamingos are located just inside the entrance to the zoo. There are many exotic waterfowl here as well as American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes and other assorted native waders. We also saw 4 free flying Sacred Ibis. : : Here are a couple of photos of the Caribbean Coot: : : <img src="http://southfloridabirding.com/CC4.jpg" : : <img src="http://southfloridabirding.com/CC7.jpg" : : : Here is a bad photo of an American Coot for comparison: : : <img src="http://southfloridabirding.com/AC.jpg" : : You can see how much more extensive the white frontal shield is on the Caribbean Coot? Assuming that there is such a bird. I just don’t know if it is possible to seperate one from an American Coot that may have an extensive white frontal shield!!! : : Larry Manfredi : Homestead, FL. : E-mail: birderlm@bellsouth.net : http://www.southfloridabirding.com

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