Habitat Suitability Index Models: American coot

A review and synthesis of existing information were used to develop a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for the American coot (Fulica americana). The model consolidates habitat use information in to a framework appropriate for field application, and is scaled to produce an index between 0.0 (unsuitable habitat) and 1.0 (optimum habitat). HSI models are designed to be used with Habitat Evaluation Procedures previously developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.