American coots are found near water reed-ringed lakes and ponds, open marshes, and sluggish rivers.
They prefer freshwater environments but may temporarily live in saltwater environments during the winter months.

The American coot's breeding habitat extends from marshes in southern Quebec to the Pacific coast of North America and as far south as northern South America.
Birds from temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains migrate to the southern United States and southern British Columbia.
It is often a year-round resident where water remains open in winter.
The number of birds that stay year-round near the northern limit of the species' range seems to be increasing.

Autumn migration occurs from August to December, with males and non-breeders moving south before the females and juveniles.
Spring migration to breeding ranges occurs from late February to mid-May, with males and older birds moving North first.
There has been evidence of birds travelling as far north as Greenland and Iceland.
American coots are found near water reed-ringed lakes and ponds, open marshes, and sluggish rivers. They prefer freshwater environments but may temporarily live in saltwater environments during the winter months.
The American coot's breeding habitat extends from marshes in southern Quebec to the Pacific coast of North America and as far south as northern South America. Birds from temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains migrate to the southern United States and southern British Columbia. It is often a year-round resident where water remains open in winter. The number of birds that stay year-round near the northern limit of the species' range seems to be increasing.
Autumn migration occurs from August to December, with males and non-breeders moving south before the females and juveniles. Spring migration to breeding ranges occurs from late February to mid-May, with males and older birds moving North first. There has been evidence of birds travelling as far north as Greenland and Iceland.
American coot