Hooded Merganser - Water Birds Series

Description

Measuring about 16 inches in length, the Hooded Merganser is one of the smallest of North American ducks. The male is spectacular with a black, crested head and large, white fan-shaped marking that expands when the crest is raised. It has a conspicuous golden eye, white breast, black back, and rusty sides. Females are dusky brown throughout with a white belly.

Like the Wood Duck, with whom the merganser often shares its habitat, the Hooded Merganser nests in tree cavities. Although females usually lay 5-10 eggs, nests with as many as 44 eggs have been found. Once, a Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser were even found nesting in the same tree cavity!

Diet

Fish, crustaceans, insects. Most of the merganser's food is caught underwater.

Range and Habitat

The Hooded Merganser breeds locally throughout the eastern United States (except southern Florida) and the Pacific Northwest.  It can be found throughout most of the United States during migration and in the winter. It Breeds in forested wetlands. In winter, it may be found in shallow, open water.Status

Populations are stable, though the Hooded Merganser is not particularly common.