Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatusOrder: ANSERIFORMESFamily: Geese and Ducks (Anatidae)

Overview

Hooded Merganser: Small merganser with black upperparts and white underparts with two black bars on side of breast; red-brown flanks. Crest shows large white patch when raised, white stripe extending backwards from the eye when lowered. Dark wings have white shoulder patches visible in flight.

Range and Habitat

Hooded Merganser: Breeds and winters in the Great Lakes region, eastern Canada, and the Pacific northwest. Preferred habitats include small forest pools, millponds, swamps, and beaver ponds.

Listen:

Voice Text

"crrrroooo"

Hooded Merganser

● Song: "crrrroooo"

● Foraging & Feeding: Hooded Merganser: Forages underwater, diving from the surface and capturing fish with its serrated and hooked bill; also feeds on crayfish, snails, frogs, insects, aquatic plants, and seeds.

● Breeding & nesting: Hooded Merganser: Six to eighteen white eggs are laid in a hollow tree, stump, or other natural cavity lined with down. Nest is usually near water and 10 to 20 feet above the ground. Incubation ranges from 32 to 33 days and is carried out by the female; once the female begins to incubate, the male abandons her.

● Similar species: Hooded Merganser: Bufflehead has smaller bill, dark eyes, and lacks black breast bars and brown belly.

Flight Pattern

Rapid direct flight with fast wing beats., Flies silently and swifty.

● Range & Habitat: Hooded Merganser: Breeds and winters in the Great Lakes region, eastern Canada, and the Pacific northwest. Preferred habitats include small forest pools, millponds, swamps, and beaver ponds.

^BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester

^PopulationIncreasing

^MigrationMigratory

^Weight24 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America