Coots are members of the rail family, and are somewhat “duck-like” in their habits and appearance. The American Coot breeds throughout most of North America, south through Central America and the West Indies, to a few isolated parts of northern South America. This is one of my favourite paintings, so much so that it now hangs, nicely framed, above the mantel in my family room. But, while I am still in good health, I want to face end of life adjustments and find good homes for paintings I, myself, have long enjoyed. This painting shows the birds approximately life size.