American Coot / Fulica americana

Seen on a day out with friends Ron and Trish on 24th April, south of the city.

"Often mistaken for a duck, the American Coot is a common waterbird. Its all black body and white chicken-like beak distinguish this swimming rail from the real ducks .... American Coots can develop a dark red area on the upper part of the facial shield, but the bill is always mainly white."

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_coot/id

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Coot