The Hooded Merganser Duck (Lophodytes cucullatus) is the smallest of the merganser species in North America. The male Hooded Merganser has an extravagant, large white crest outlined in black and bright yellow-orange eyes which are adapted for good underwater vision. The top of its head, neck and back are black, and its breast and belly are white. It’s sides are brown with fine, wavy, black barring. The Hooded Merganser Duck has a long, black, serrated sawbill and feeds primarily on small fish, crayfish, tadpoles and other aquatic insects and plant material. Females also are “hooded” but they have a grayish brown head and a cinnamon-colored body. Both sexes are able to raise or lower their crests. These tiny waterfowl weigh around 15-30 ounces, have a 24-inch wingspan, and can live up to 14 years old.

The Hooded Merganser Duck is a cavity nester, common in mature trees in wooded areas near small ponds and streams. They are also known to take advantage of nest boxes put out for Wood Ducks. In North America, Mergansers are sometimes found in flocks along with Ruddy Ducks. The Hooded Merganser Duck is common in the Great Lakes region. Population decline of these ducks has been linked to deforestation and water pollution.

Hooded Merganser Ducks are similar to other cavity nesting ducks in that they will sometimes lay their eggs in others’ nests. Within 24 hours of hatching, ducklings leave their nest with a leap to the ground. The female Merganser Duck will tend to her young for 8-10 weeks but the ducklings will find their own food from a day old.

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