ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Hooded Merganser

 Hooded Merganser

hooded merganser Hooded mergansers are the smallest North American mergansers. They are often seen in pairs, or very small flocks. Short, rapid wingstrokes create an impression of great speed. 


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Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 32-33 days

• Clutch Size: 5-15 eggs

• Young Fledge: 71 days after hatching

• Typical foods: aquatic plants, mollusks, fish, and shellfish
Description
The teal-sized hooded merganser is black and white with a trailing crest on back of its head. The males have a white patch in the crest and hens have a white throat.

Habitat and Habits
Hooded mergansers winter in the inland waters of all coastal states and seldom go to salt water. Their vocalizations are low, guttural croaks.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Two cavity-nesting ducks regularly breed in Ohio, this one and the wood duck. Hooded mergansers often use wood duck boxes, and nesters have increased because of this. The female incubates and raises the young alone.