The American Coot breeds from British Columbia to the Maritime Provinces, with the highest densities in the Prairie provinces. In the early 1900s, wetland loss and overhunting were thought to have led to significant population declines (Brisbin and Mowbray 2002), but the population has since recovered and is increasing. In Canada, the harvest of American Coot has diminished over the years, whereas it has remained relatively constant in the United States. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
While the loss of wetland habitat has contributed to the historical decline of the American Coot population, this species has likely been less affected by habitat change than other marsh birds (Brisbin and Mowbray 2002). The preference of the American Coot for seasonal or temporary wetlands, along with its ability to successfully colonize new sites, or use alternative sites such as ditches and ponds when water levels change, has minimized the impacts of habitat alteration. However, drought conditions have been known to contribute to sudden temporary declines (Brisbin and Mowbray 2002).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
