Hooded Merganser

The Woodland Duck with the Amazing Hairdo

If you guessed Hooded Merganser, congratulations! This striking duck is one of North America's most distinctive waterfowl and is often a favorite among birders because of its bold appearance and fascinating behavior.

Field Marks to Notice

Adult Male

• Large black head with a dramatic white fan-shaped crest (hood)

• Bright yellow eyes

• Black back with bold white stripes

• Rich chestnut-colored sides

• Thin, serrated bill designed for catching fish

The male can raise or lower his crest depending on his mood, creating one of the most memorable profiles of any North American duck.

Adult Female

• Warm brown head with a shaggy cinnamon-colored crest

• Slim body

• Yellowish eyes

• Gray-brown body

Many beginning birders overlook females, but that distinctive "punk-rock" crest is a great clue.

Habitat

Unlike many ducks that prefer open lakes and marshes, Hooded Mergansers are often found in:

• Woodland ponds

• Beaver ponds

• Forested lakes

• Slow-moving rivers

• Flooded timber

• Quiet backwaters

They especially favor water surrounded by trees because they nest in natural cavities.

Interesting Facts

• Hooded Mergansers are among the smallest mergansers in North America.

• They are expert divers and can remain underwater for up to a minute while hunting.

• Their bills have tiny serrations that help them grip slippery fish.

• They nest in tree cavities and readily use nest boxes.

• Ducklings often leap from nesting cavities 20–50 feet above the ground within a day of hatching!

What Do They Eat?

Hooded Mergansers primarily feed on:

• Small fish

• Aquatic insects

• Crayfish

• Tadpoles

• Small amphibians

Watch for them diving repeatedly in shallow woodland ponds as they search for prey underwater.

Range and Distribution

Breeding Season (Spring & Summer)

• Much of the eastern United States

• Great Lakes region

• Southern Canada

• Pacific Northwest

Winter

• Southeastern United States

• Gulf Coast states

• Atlantic Coastal Plain

• Portions of California and the Pacific Coast

Year-Round

• Parts of the Mid-Atlantic region

• Portions of the Southeast where suitable wooded wetlands are available

Birding Tip

When you spot a duck with a strange shape or hairstyle, don't immediately focus on color. Notice the silhouette first. The Hooded Merganser's oversized crest creates a unique profile that stands out even at a distance. Learning distinctive shapes like this is one of the fastest ways to improve your bird identification skills.