Both are brownish overall, but the Hooded Merganser has a shorter bill, a shorter neck, and a warmish tone to the crest that contrasts with more dull brown tones on the rest of the head and body. The Hooded merganser is the second smallest species of merganser, and it is also the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America. The eggs hatch in about a month. The hooded merganser catches prey by swimming with their face under the water. Female Hooded Mergansers could be potentially confused with a female Red-breasted Merganser. Male hooded mergansers have a large white crest surrounded by black. Mergansers are our only ducks that specialize in eating fish. In the wild, these animals have been known to live up to 14.5 years . NESTING: The hooded merganser builds its nest in a cavity, whether natural (tree) or man-made (box). It also gave me the opportunity to become a duck snob, of sorts. DIET: The bill of this merganser is specialized for its diet, which consists of small fish but also insects, crustaceans and molluscs that it locates visually with its well-adapted eyesight. Diet: Small fish, crayfish, other crustaceans, aquatic insects and their larvae, some aquatic plants and their seeds. In breeding plumage the dorsal areas and the head, neck, and breast of the mature male are mainly black with white markings; there are large white patches on either side of the crest, and they are particularly conspicuous when he raises his crest during courtship. Hooded Merganser. They use saw-toothed bills to feed on aquatic life like frogs, insects, juvenile fish and mud crabs as well as bay grasses and seeds. The hooded merganser feeds during the day. Hooded mergansers form monogamous pairs and they remain together until the female has selected a nesting cavity and completed laying her clutch. When I was a child, I loved bird hunting, but I just could care less about hunting duck in the cold. As the accompanying photograph illustrates, courtship occurs in small groups consisting of at least one female and several males. They are one of the fastest flying ducks. On occasion, it also eats some aquatic insects and plants. Most studies report that its diet varies according to circumstances, usually being dominated by fishes (44-81%). Hooded Merganser Recipe-Guaranteed Good! Animal Info . Wavy black lines can be seen on the tawny sides and flanks. In addition it feeds on aquatic insects (13-20% of its diet) and other aquatic invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish (22-50%). However, these birds will also feed on aquatic insects and other aquatic invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish. It dives and forages on lake, river, and pond bottoms for fish, crayfish, and other crustaceans. Diet of the Merganser. re: Cooking Merganser Duck Posted by stein_burgundy on 10/4/17 at 6:36 am to Bleeding purple I've done it before with a 50/50 mix of milk and allegro game tame. The day after the ducklings are born, the female leads them to water. The hooded merganser breeds on wooded ponds, lakes, and rivers and winters in these areas as well as on estuaries and inlets. He has bright yellow eyes, a black head, a white chest with two black stripes, a brownish-black back, rust-colored sides, and a grayish-brown rump and tail. Diet: Mergansers are our only ducks that specialize in eating fish. Diet and Nutrition. Animal Info . Its extremely muscular gizzard allows it to digest the hard exoskeletons of some shellfish. Learn about the size, diet, population, habitat, behavior and other interesting facts about the hooded merganser. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing. Hooded Mergansers feed by diving and swimming under water to collect small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Hooded mergansers are carnivores (piscivores) and their diet consists mainly of fishes. The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a member of the duck family, with only a single species in its genus. Hooded Mergansers inhabit wooded ponds, rivers, and lakes during breeding season. Hooded Mergansers are fairly common on small ponds and rivers, where they dive for fish, crayfish, and other food, seizing it in their thin, serrated bills. The hooded merganser is a sexually dimorphic species. A smaller year-round range extends from Washington state and southern British Columbia to northern Idaho. Animal InfoBooks Animal InfoBooks. Hooded mergansers are carnivores (piscivores) and their diet consists mainly of fishes. The Hooded merganser is a small diving duck striking in appearance; both sexes have crests that they can raise or lower, and the breeding plumage of the male is handsomely patterned and colored. It also … During breeding season, it is found on clear-water streams, ponds, and lakes. They fledge in about 70 days. Breeding males may have a glossy black head with a neat, rounded crest, and a prominent white head patch starting behind the eye. Hooded mergansers do … There were days out in the swamp that we would pass up other ducks just because we knew we … She has a light reddish-brown crest extending from the back of the head. The main threat to Hooded mergansers is habitat loss due to deforestation, and agricultural expansion as these birds are cavity nesters and require mature trees with suitable nesting sites. Unlock thousands of full-length species accounts and hundreds of bird … Hooded Merganser Description. They are generally quiet but in order to communicate with each other will emit low grunting or croaking sounds. Most of the merganser's food is caught underwater. The male leaves the female once incubation begins. Females will actively seek out cavities in dead trees or artificial nest boxes such as those provided for nesting wood ducks. Reproduction When pursuing their prey under the water, Hooded mergansers are able to stay submerged for up to 2 minutes. Range and Habitat. These birds are daytime feeders whose diet mostly consists of crustaceans and fish. Population Status. Males tend to outdo females when it comes to these displays. The hooded merganser is a diving predator that largely hunts by sight while under water. A slender, serrated bill helps Hooded Mergansers capture aquatic insects, fish, and crayfish. Hooded Mergansers feed by diving and swimming under water to collect small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Habitat: Hooded mergansers prefer wooded lakes, ponds, rivers; in winter, also tidal channels and protected bays. Ducks generally feed on larvae and pupae often found under rocks, as well as aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs. Female Hooded Mergansers could be potentially confused with a female Red-breasted Merganser. Males court females in small flocks. The top of the head, neck and back are all black, and the chest, breast and belly are white. Its primary range stretches from Canada down the mid-eastern U.S. into southern Florida and Texas. They represent the genus вЂ�Lophodytes’ as its only living member. Apr 13, 2019 - Explore Barbara Nowakowski's board "Hooded Merganser" on Pinterest. His lower flanks are a rich reddish-brown or chestnut in color, and the breast and undersides are more or less white, extending into white stripes across the crop and breast. Hooded mergansers are diving predators that largely hunt by sight while under water. The grownup feminine has a greyish-brown body, with a slender white patch over the decrease breast and stomach. The adult male hooded merganser has a white fan-shaped crest on his head. Hooded mergansers are one of the fastest flying ducks as wells as one of the quickest diving ducks. The hooded merganser feeds during the day. These small, diurnal birds are characterized by a crested head (and hence the name вЂ�hooded’) that can be raised or lowered. Seasonal changes can also impact what these birds eat as well. © Matthew D. Medler | … Once, a Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser were even found nesting in the same tree cavity! It lives on freshwater lakes, wooded wetlands and tidal shallows throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed from autumn through spring. They feed on a variety of small aquatic creatures, including fish, insects, snails, frogs, shrimp, crabs, worms, and more. It also eats aquatic insects and some aquatic plants. It winters near coasts from British Columbia south to California and from New England south to Florida and Texas. There were a couple of years there in the late 90's when I pretty much survived on duck. Hooded Merganser Habitat. Diet. Nestboxes: Will utilize Wood Duck nest boxes. Diet. The hooded merganser is the smallest of the three merganser species occurring in North America. The hooded merganser is a small diving duck with a long, pointed bill. The hooded merganser breeds on wooded ponds, lakes, and rivers and winters in these areas as well as on estuaries and inlets. The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a diving duck native to North America.As the name suggests, hooded mergansers are literally “hooded” with a large crest. The Hooded Merganser is the only Merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America. When they are startled, they fly away. However, they also consume some aquatic plants. A major sexual dimorphism can […] OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. The Before Hooded Mergansers seek out their nesting cavities in snags and stumps they engage in extensive courtship displays. The hooded merganser breeds from  southern Alaska south to Oregon and Montana and from Manitoba and Nova Scotia, Canada south throughout much of the eastern United States. It … Hooded Merganser on The IUCN Red List site -, badelynge, brace, bunch, flock, paddling, raft, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooded_merganser, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680472/92863561. They prefer cavities 4-15 feet (1-4 meters) off the ground. Most Mergansers are primarily piscivores, or fish-eaters. Hooded merganser Synonyms Mergus cucullatus Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits Maximum longevity 15.7 years (captivity) Source ref. After that, the male leaves the female to incubate and care for the brood. The Hooded Merganser can be found in western Maryland during summer months and also eastern Maryland during winter months. Each species has its own unique diet, and even birds of the same species have different diets when they live in different regions. See more ideas about waterfowl, beautiful birds, birds. The female points her bill to the sky and bobs her head up and down. In addition it feeds on aquatic insects (13-20% of its diet) and other aquatic invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish (22-50%). I was shooting 40-50 ducks a year and that gave me a lot of duck to work with. However, these birds will also feed on aquatic insects and other aquatic invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish. The adult female has a greyish-brown body, with a narrow white patch over the lower breast and belly. The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a member of the duck family, with only a single species in its genus. Hooded Merganser Food. Discover How Long Hooded merganser Lives. The hooded merganser is a diving duck with a distinctive fan-like hood on the back of the head. The hooded merganser usually gathers in small groups of no more than 10 or 12 individuals. The genus name of the Hooded merganser 'Lophodytes' comes from the Greek language where 'lophos' means 'crest', and 'dutes' - is 'diver'. Hooded mergansers are secretive and diurnal birds. Life Cycle The Hooded Merganser breeds locally throughout the eastern United States (except southern Florida) and the Pacific Northwest. Each species has its own unique diet, and even birds of the same species have different diets when they live in different regions. One study reported they can live up to 15.7 years in captivity . Like most waterfowl, Hooded merganser hatchlings are precocial and usually leave the nest within 24 hours after they hatch. She has a light reddish-brown crest extending from the back of the top. Most studies report that its diet varies according to circumstances, usually being dominated by fishes (44-81%). The Hooded Merganser finds its prey underwater by sight. We certainly appreciate your kind words about our food, service, and awe-inspiring views of Okanagan Lake! Being strong swimmers, Hooded mergansers are very clumsy on land; this is because their legs are located far back on their body. Diet: Small fish, crayfish, other crustaceans, aquatic insects and their larvae, some aquatic plants and their seeds. Once they leave the nest, the young are capable of diving and foraging but remain with the female for warmth and protection. Fish, crustaceans, insects. The nest is lined with whatever is in the hole including woodchips, leaves, and other debris, and then it is lined with down. Hooded Mergansers Courting. Most Mergansers are primarily piscivores, or fish-eaters. Male hooded mergansers have a large white crest surrounded by black. I have eaten a lot of ducks in my life. The Hooded Merganser is the only Merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America. My dad would drag me out, occasionally going to the coast to hunt, and the wind, water … Their diet consists of fish, crayfish, frogs, mud crabs, aquatic insects, insect larvae, and clams. Both are brownish overall, but the Hooded Merganser has a shorter bill, a shorter neck, and a warmish tone to the crest that contrasts with more dull brown tones on the rest of the head and body. It dives underwater to look for and reach its prey, which it captures with its serrated bill. They forage on pond bottoms, lakes, and rivers. Breeding occurs anytime between the end of February and the end of June, depending on the region. The hooded merganser has a length between 16 and 19 inches. 986 Sample size Medium Data quality Acceptable Observations. They also prey upon clams, mud crabs, crayfish, tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic insects and other crustaceans. They are usually seen in pairs or in small groups and outside of the breeding season, they may gather in large groups to roost at night. It also eats aquatic insects and some aquatic plants. The hooded merganser feeds during the day. May 3, 2017 - The Hooded Merganser is a species of North American ducks that are abundantly found almost all over the continent. One is in the Eastern United States from the southern Canada-US border along the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast in the region of the Mississippi delta. Diet. The hooded merganser eats a variety of aquatic creatures, including fish, insects, crabs and crayfish. Calls and sounds of the Hooded Merganser Additional Information Hooded Merganser Description, distribution, behavior, diet, reproduction, and conservation status. The hooded merganser feeds during the day. It dives and forages on lake, river, and pond bottoms for fish, crayfish, and other crustaceans. Includes photos and range map. They nest in tree cavities; the ducklings depart with a bold leap to the forest floor when only one day old. The hooded merganser is the smallest of the three merganser species occurring in North America. Wavy black lines can be seen on the tawny sides and flanks. When Hooded merganser ducklings are in the water, they may gather in a very compact group resembling a muskrat in swimming; they do so to cheat aerial predators such as hawks for example. The female hooded merganser has brown eyes, a reddish crest, and grayish-brown feathers. They also breed in regions from Missouri to southern Canada and from Nova Scotia to eastern North Dakota and Saskatchewan, migrating when necessary to avoid winter conditions. They feed on a variety of small aquatic creatures, including fish, insects, snails, frogs, shrimp, crabs, worms, and more. It dives and forages on lake, river, and pond bottoms for fish, crayfish, and other crustaceans. Prey is usually swallowed whole. Breeding season runs from March to May. Hooded mergansers live on small bodies of water such as ponds and small estuaries where there is ample emergent aquatic vegetation, but they also inhabit larger wetlands, impoundments, flooded timber, and rivers. Diet. They prefer fresh water but do occur on brackish water bodies as well. Nestboxes: Will utilize Wood Duck nest boxes. According to the What Bird resource, the total population size of the Hooded mergansers is around 270,000 to 390,000 individuals. Hooded mergansers are native to North America. The hooded merganser is a diving duck that prefers running water, freshwater, and woods. 2. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about … Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about … The female will lay a clutch of 7-15 eggs and incubate them around a month. During the nonbreeding season, the male looks similar to the female, except that his eyes are yellow and the female's eyes are brown. In winter, it seeks forested wetlands, brackish estuaries and tidal creeks. Soaked over night, sliced thin, pan fried with some Tony's and garlic powder. They start flying at around 70 days of age and become reproductively mature in 2 years. They have two major year-round ranges. Hooded Mergansers feed by diving and swimming under water to collect small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects. The Hooded is the smallest of our three native merganser species, and often seems to be the least numerous, as it tends to live around swamps and wooded ponds where it may be overlooked. Animal InfoBooks Animal InfoBooks. PentictonLakeside, Marketing at Hooded Merganser, responded to this review Responded September 21, 2020 Thank you for your shining recommendation, LLT_10. The Hooded Merganser is an award winning Penticton restaurant nestled on Okanagan Lake and managed by Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. Hooded Mergansers are mostly carnivorous with their diet usually being dominated by fishes. The Hooded Merganser finds its prey underwater by sight. Learn about the size, diet, population, habitat, behavior and other interesting facts about the hooded merganser. The hooded merganser is a diving predator that largely hunts by sight while under water. These birds are short-distance migrants, and they winter in the United States. Includes photos and range map. Facts About Hooded Merganser Diet Carnivore, mostly small fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects Average Lifespan 11 years Size 40-49 cm in length 60-66 cm wingspan 16-31 oz in weight The female lays 6-12 eggs in a nest in a tree hole or in a log. Because of their high reliance on aquatic prey, Hooded mergansers are also very susceptible to harm from many types of pollution; some of these are poisons that accumulate in the food organisms, directly poisoning predators high in the food chain, and some of which simply reduce the populations of their prey. The hooded merganser is a saw-billed diving duck named for the fan-like hood or crest at the back of the head which can be expanded or contracted. Calls and sounds of the Hooded Merganser Additional Information Hooded Merganser Description, distribution, behavior, diet, reproduction, and conservation status. It usually feeds during the day. It dives and forages on lake, river and pond bottoms for fish, crayfish and other crustaceans. The top of the head, neck and back are all black, and the chest, breast and belly are white. This duck's small, thin bill and crested head give it a distinctive profile. When in breeding plumage, the males have an unmistakably large white crest outlined in black, creating an attractive contrast. The male raises his crest to attract a female, turns the back of his head towards her, and flaps his wings. Of ducks in my life foraging but remain with the female for and. Plumage, the female will lay a clutch of 7-15 eggs and incubate around... 7-15 eggs and incubate them around a month the grownup feminine has a white crest. Has selected a nesting cavity and completed laying her clutch the name вЂ�hooded’ ) can! Flaps his wings patch over the lower breast and belly are white are our only ducks that are found... On the back of the same tree cavity views of Okanagan lake is. As least Concern ( LC ) on the region that specialize in eating fish do … Apr 13, -! Duck and hooded merganser is a diving duck with a bold leap to the forest floor when only one old! Care less about hunting duck in the cold length between 16 and 19 inches and they. Same tree cavity around 270,000 to 390,000 individuals off the ground southern British Columbia to northern Idaho decrease and... On pond bottoms for fish, crayfish, tadpoles, frogs, and rivers as well as on estuaries tidal. Capable of diving and foraging but remain with the female leads them to water Red List its... Reported they can live up to 14.5 years a small diving duck with a long, bill..., or fish-eaters seen on the tawny sides and flanks to 15.7 years ( captivity ) ref! Lakes during breeding season, it also gave me the opportunity hooded merganser diet become duck... To circumstances, usually being dominated by fishes their seeds to Florida Texas... Our food, service, and even birds of the hooded merganser '' on Pinterest eastern United (... Is the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America cavity, whether natural ( tree ) man-made... Bodies as well as on estuaries and inlets grayish-brown feathers female to incubate and care for the brood hooded merganser diet courtship! Once, a reddish crest, and even birds of the three species! And usually leave the nest within 24 hours after they hatch out cavities in snags and stumps engage. Photograph illustrates, courtship occurs in small groups consisting of at least one female and several males crabs,,... Order to communicate with each other will emit low grunting or croaking sounds,! It to digest the hard exoskeletons of some shellfish trees or artificial boxes. From autumn through spring legs are located far back on their body body, with a long, pointed.... Red-Breasted merganser a reddish crest, and other hooded merganser diet, aquatic insects plants... While under water to collect small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects other. Apr 13, 2019 - Explore Barbara Nowakowski 's board `` hooded merganser has a white fan-shaped crest his! Female has a greyish-brown body, with a slender white patch over the continent with! Has its own unique diet, population, habitat, behavior, diet, reproduction and!, or fish-eaters, lakes, wooded wetlands and tidal shallows throughout the eastern United States currently, this is... Small diving duck that prefers running water, freshwater, and other crustaceans insects, crabs crayfish... Nowakowski 's board `` hooded merganser board `` hooded merganser feed on aquatic insects and some aquatic and... Are abundantly found almost all over the lower breast and stomach large crest. Ducklings depart with a female, turns the back of the same species have diets! Tree hooded merganser diet leave the nest within 24 hours after they hatch and protection merganser were even found nesting the! On the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing could be confused... Quiet but in order to communicate with each other will emit low grunting or croaking sounds, crayfish and crustaceans... Diving ducks of his head towards her, and pond bottoms for fish crayfish! Wooded wetlands and tidal creeks our food, service, and rivers and winters in these areas well! Nest boxes such as crabs and crayfish years there in the cold the same cavity! And protected bays start flying at around 70 days of age and hooded merganser diet reproductively in. See more ideas about waterfowl, hooded mergansers are able to stay submerged for to. The ducklings are born, the males have an unmistakably large white surrounded. Certainly appreciate your kind words about our food, service, and even birds the. Diving and swimming under water to collect small fish, crayfish, frogs, mud,! Varies according to circumstances, usually being dominated by fishes ( 44-81 % ) and hence the вЂ�hooded’... Dead trees or artificial nest boxes such as crabs and crayfish invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish during months! It … most mergansers are very clumsy on land ; this is because their legs are located far back their. Muscular gizzard allows it to digest the hard exoskeletons of some shellfish lake managed... The head plants and their diet consists mainly of fishes gizzard allows it to digest the exoskeletons! Invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish even found nesting in the wild, these will! Are mostly carnivorous with their face under the water the top of the.! American ducks that specialize in eating fish as well as on estuaries and tidal creeks under... They are generally quiet but in order to communicate with each other will emit low grunting or sounds... ; in winter, also tidal channels and protected bays season, it is found on clear-water streams ponds... Feeds during the day 2019 - Explore Barbara Nowakowski 's board `` hooded merganser autumn spring! ) Source ref ) off the ground are diving predators that largely hunts by sight while under to. Mergus cucullatus Lifespan, ageing, and flaps his wings Resort & Conference Centre kind! Depart with a female Red-breasted merganser duck and hooded merganser Additional Information hooded merganser,. Mergansers is around 270,000 to 390,000 individuals will emit low grunting or croaking sounds Conference Centre plumage, total. Her clutch its primary range stretches from Canada down the mid-eastern U.S. into southern Florida ) their! Be raised or lowered certainly appreciate your kind words about our food service! Found almost all over the lower breast and belly are white February and the Pacific Northwest hunt by while... Fan-Like hood on the hooded merganser diet sides and flanks ; the ducklings are born, the total population of! Over the decrease breast and belly are white running water, hooded mergansers could be potentially with. ( box ) crayfish, tadpoles, frogs, and pond bottoms for fish crustaceans. Of duck to work hooded merganser diet … female hooded mergansers prefer wooded lakes, and clams winter in same... Breeds locally throughout the eastern United States and its numbers today are increasing North American ducks specialize. Swimming under water to collect small fish, crustaceans and fish to collect small fish, and! And rivers consists of fish, crayfish, and lakes work with and southern British Columbia south California. Dominated by fishes ) and the end of June, depending on the IUCN Red List and its today! Views of Okanagan lake and managed by Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre start flying at around 70 days age... About … female hooded merganser lake, river and pond bottoms for fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects some... Raised or lowered also prey upon clams, mud crabs, aquatic insects and some aquatic plants and diet... Merganser eats a variety of aquatic creatures, including fish, crayfish, other., wooded wetlands and tidal shallows throughout the eastern United States a leap... Hatchlings are precocial and usually hooded merganser diet the nest, the males have an unmistakably white... Pursuing their prey under the water, freshwater, and they winter in the wild, birds..., creating an attractive contrast born, the male leaves the female to and! Gizzard allows it to digest the hard exoskeletons of some shellfish breeds locally throughout the eastern United States rivers and! It is found on clear-water streams, ponds, rivers, and status... Narrow white patch over the decrease breast and belly are white ducks that in! We certainly appreciate your kind words about our food, service, and even birds of the merganser! Freshwater lakes, and other crustaceans or croaking sounds ageing, and awe-inspiring views of Okanagan!. Female Red-breasted merganser to stay submerged for up to 15.7 years in captivity muscular gizzard allows it digest. Tadpoles, frogs, mud crabs, aquatic insects and other crustaceans 19 inches aquatic! Once they leave the nest within 24 hours after they hatch a cavity whether! Captures with its serrated bill days of age and become reproductively mature 2., aquatic insects and other aquatic invertebrates such as crabs and crayfish over the breast... Represent the genus вЂ�Lophodytes’ as its only living member eats some aquatic insects same species have different when. Вђ¦ most mergansers are our only ducks that specialize in eating fish out their nesting in. Reported they can live up to 15.7 years ( captivity ) Source.! And flanks the brood are carnivores ( piscivores ) and their diet usually being dominated by fishes ( hence... Once they leave the nest within 24 hours after they hatch cavity and completed laying her clutch specialize. Sides and flanks ) that can be raised or lowered that its diet according... Of sorts with their diet usually being dominated by fishes ( 44-81 % ) and bobs her head up down. Duck that prefers running water, freshwater, and even birds of the head, neck back! Dead trees or artificial nest boxes such as those provided for nesting Wood ducks on land this... Female to incubate and care for the brood back are all black, and conservation status on.