hooded merganser

1. Bird Name: The English name for the bird is “Hooded Merganser.” Its scientific (Latin) name is “Lophodytes cucullatus.”

2. Appearance: The Hooded Merganser is an exciting bird with distinctive features making it easy to identify. Males have a large white, fan-shaped crest surrounded by black and reddish-brown flanks. They have bright yellow eyes, a narrow tapering bill, striking black-and-white underparts, and rich brown feathers on its sides, back, and neck. Females are less vivid, with pale grey-brown bodies, reddish-brown crests, and dark brown eyes. Their bill shape is narrow, serrated, and hooked at the end, designed for catching fish.

3. Size: The average length of a Hooded Merganser ranges from 40-50cm (16–19in). They have a wingspan of about 56-69cm (22–27in). Their weight generally falls between 450g and 900g (0.99–1.97lb).

4. Habitat & Distribution: The hooded merganser is found primarily in North America. It breeds in forested wetlands, rivers, ponds, and lakes in Alaska and Canada, the northeastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States. The bird migrates to the Atlantic coast, Gulf coast, and Pacific coast during winter. Their preference for habitats includes wooded swamps, marshes, and freshwater estuaries.

5. Interesting Facts:
– Male hooded mergansers can expand their distinctive white crests to attract females during mating season.
– The hooded merganser is the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America.
– The female merganser leaves her eggs within other ducks’ nests for them to care for – a behavior known as brood parasitism.

6. Diet: The hooded merganser feeds on small fish, insects, crayfish, and a variety of invertebrates. They dive underwater to forage for food with their eyes open, which is possible due to their third eyelid.

7. Behavior & Sounds: The hooded merganser is typically a solitary bird and can dive for up to two minutes when threatened. Male courtship rituals include expanding their impressive crests and making reverberating, frog-like croaks to attract females. The call of the Hooded Merganser is often a soft, frog-like croak; however, they are generally silent birds.

8. Conservation Status: This bird species is listed as being of “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

9. Lifespan: The average lifespan of the Hooded Merganser in the wild is about 14 years. It’s rare for these birds to be kept in captivity, so lifespan there varies.

10. Additional Notes: Hooded Mergansers are sometimes known as ‘Sawbill’ due to their narrow, serrated bill. They play a crucial role in controlling insect and small fish populations in their habitats and are admired for their unique appearance and diving abilities. These birds generally avoid human connection, but can become more tolerant in places where they are not persecuted. They hold a significant place in various native American folklore and are often represented in contemporary art and literature.