Duck of the Week --- Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) - An uncommon diving duck of wooded ponds with a component of standing dead trees. This duck forms small flocks on sheltered ponds and bays and is 18" in length with a 24" wing span. The Hooded Merganser dives for fish, crustaceans and insects, which it captures in shallow water. It is the second smallest of all Mergansers worldwide. It is a small, and long-bodied duck, with a tail that is often raised when swimming. The 'hammerhead' crest is a distinctive field mark, being mostly white on the male and frosted brown on the female. The wings of the Hooded Merganser produce a shrill trill in flight. When calling, the female has a soft croak, while the male in display gives a low, purring croak.

Hooded Merganser - male (left) and female - with female call.

The Hooded Merganser nests in tree cavities by still or slow-moving fresh water. They can be found in and around forested ponds, lakes, flooded forests, riverside swamps and streams. The cavity is either in a stump, a tree, or even between tree roots, in fallen hollow logs or holes in a bank. The nest is usually 15-20 feet up a tree, with a required entrance diameter measuring 3.5 inches. The Hooded Merganser also uses man-made nest boxes and in 2006 at Hullett, this species was found nesting in 54 of these boxes. It returns to the area on average around April 11th. The Hooded Merganser is a very common breeding duck in Ontario, but is rare to uncommon when not breeding. It has a potential life span of 11 years.

Hooded Mergansers usually have just one brood a year, but will replace a lost clutch. The species produces an average clutch size of 7-13 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 31 days by the female alone. These hatchlings are prococial, meaning they are downy all over when born. The young are tended by the female only and fly at 71 days. Hooded Mergansers dive for fish and glean insects from the bottom of fresh water areas. The Hooded Merganser loves crayfish.

Of Note: The Hooded Merganser finds prey underwater by sight. It can change the refractive properties of its eyes to enhance underwater vision. This is done by a nicatating membrane or 'third eyelid' which is very transparent and protects the eye during swimming. They act like goggles!

For a Range Map click here.

Look for the Hooded Merganser and many other species of waterfowl and water birds this spring and summer at the Hullett P.W.A. Click for other events offered at the Hullett P.W.A.

Look for a new Duck of the Week each week. Also see our Marsh Bird of the Month feature.