Ducks: Hooded Mergansers
Lophodytes cucullatus L 17–19 inches.
Small, bizarrely shaped diving duck with slender bill and large head.
Dives frequently in search of small fish and invertebrates. Male is unmistakable;
size, proportions, and color in female are good means of identification.
ADULT MALE Has large crest that can be flattened or fanned, presenting a
large, gleaming white patch on otherwise dark head. Bill is dark and note
beady yellow eye. Back is mainly dark and breast is
white, marked with two black lines on sides, separating
breast from otherwise orange-brown flanks. Eclipse male
is similar to adult female, but with duller colors; retains bright eye.
ADULT
FEMALE Orange-buff head with long, shaggy crest. Plumage is otherwise mainly
gray-brown, darkest on back; belly is white. Eye is dark.
JUVENILE Similar to adult
female.
VOICE Mostly silent.
STATUS AND HABITAT In summer, found in forested
wetlands; nests in tree holes. Outside breeding season, most birds move to southeast
wetlands, favoring freshwater sites.
OBSERVATION TIPS Typically shy during
breeding season; easier to observe in winter although still has retiring habits.
Return to two-page spread from Birds of Eastern North America