While they do resemble a duck, coots are actually members of the Rallidae family. But what makes them truly unique is their strange, yellow-green feet. (Take a close look at the photo.)

Lewis wrote: “… The black duck is about the size of the blue winged teal. their colour is a duskey black the breast and belly somewhat lighter than the other parts, or a dark brown. the legs stand longitudinally with the body, and the bird when on shore stands of course very erect. the legs and feet are of a dark brown, the toes are four on each foot, a short one at the heel and three long toes in front, which are unconnected with a web. the webs are attached to each sides of the several joints of the toe, divided by deep sinuses at each joint.”