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Male Hooded Merganser - breeding plumage

When people think of ducks, the amiable mallard often comes to mind.  Common in puddles and often seen with its tail feathers bobbing on the surface as it grazes the benthos beneath, it is the quintessential representative of the Anatidae.  The hooded merganser does not subscribe to that stereotype. 

Hooded mergansers are fish eating ducks.  Their bills do not conform to the flattened style displayed by their green headed male cousins.  Instead, the bill is thin with a sharp, curled hook at the end.  The bill itself is serrated with the chiseled edges pointing backwards to facilitate a good grip on its prey.  They will dive in search of aquatic insects, crustaceans such as crayfish, and small fish.

Another feature which distinguishes them from most other ducks is their nesting requirements.  They nest in tree cavities, but will readily use a large bird house with a substantial opening.  Their numbers have been in decline because of loss of habitat and reduced availability of nesting sites.  With environmental management restoring damaged habitat and nest boxes being installed the species is coming back.

These amazing birds also have interesting brooding habits.  The females lay upwards of 12 eggs.  She will also lay eggs in the nests of other waterfowl.  After the thick walled eggs hatch, the young remain in the nest for a mere 24 hours or so and then leave to forage on their own.  Although somewhat independent, the mother still looks after them for several weeks.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen