Hooded Merganser

More Information

Physical Description

Hooded mergansers are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females differ in appearance. Females have a brown body, a white underside, and a light brown crest that extends from the back of their head. Males look similar during non-breeding season, except for their yellow plumage, but during breeding season, they turn black with white stripes near their chest and tail.

Interesting Fact 1

Hooded mergansers have a nictitating membrane, a transparent eyelid that protects their eyes and enables them to see better while diving underwater, which helps with hunting.

Interesting Fact 2

Within 24 hours of hatching, they can dive and feed themselves, although they remain with their mother for another five weeks.

Interesting Fact 3

During breeding season, males develop a white crest on the back of their head that is prominently spread and raised during courtship.