Hooded Merganser
NameHooded Merganser
Common NameHooded Merganser
Scientific NameLophodytes cucullatus
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)44.5
Weight (g)660
Plumage DetailsAdult male: Black head with a large, fan-shaped white crest bordered in black, bright yellow eyes, and a thin black bill. The back is black, the breast is white with two vertical black stripes, and the flanks are rufous (reddish-brown). Adult female: Rufous-brown crest and head, duller brown body, and a white belly.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet. Males produce a low, rolling croak or grunt during courtship displays. Females give a hoarse, guttural 'garr-garr' call.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of Canada and the northern United States, extending south into the Pacific Northwest and southeastern U.S. Winters primarily in the southern and coastal United States, and parts of Mexico.
Identifying Featuresfan-shaped crest, black and white plumage (male), yellow eyes (male), thin, serrated bill
Description
The Hooded Merganser is a small diving duck known for its distinctive fan-shaped crest, which can be raised or lowered. Males are strikingly patterned in black and white with rufous flanks, while females are duller brown. They are agile swimmers and divers, primarily feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates in freshwater habitats.
