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Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

Least Concern
Envergure
37,3 cm
Poids
638,0 g
Famille
Anatidae
Ordre
Anseriformes

À propos

A small fish-eating duck (~640 g) of family Anatidae, males bearing a dramatic fan-shaped black and white crest. Breeds in wooded swamps, rivers, and lakes in North America, nesting in tree cavities; winters on sheltered coastal and inland waters. Uses keen underwater vision to hunt fish and crayfish. Least Concern; benefiting from nest box programs.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergure 37,3 cm 14.7 in
Poids 638,0 g 22.50 oz

Identification

Plumage

Male has fan-shaped black-and-white erectile crest; black head and neck, white breast with two black bars, rich cinnamon flanks. Female is greyish-brown with rusty-cinnamon crest, paler below.

Habitat & Range

Répartition géographique

Breeds in forested wetlands of North America from southern Canada to the northern United States. Winters on rivers and lakes south to Mexico.

Diet & Feeding

Dives for small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and frogs in clear freshwater streams and ponds. Uses sharp serrated bill to catch prey.

Statut de conservation

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: CV. Incubation: 29-37 days. Fledging: 71 days.

Taille de la couvée

6-18

Son

Chant

Male produces a low, rolling rolling-tum tumbling call; female gives a harsh, grating quack. The male's frog-like rolling call is unique among North American ducks during winter courtship.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
Famille Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)
Genus Lophodytes
Espèces Lophodytes cucullatus

Distribution

Hooded Merganser has been recorded in 10 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Hooded Merganser eat?
Dives for small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and frogs in clear freshwater streams and ponds. Uses sharp serrated bill to catch prey.
Where does the Hooded Merganser live?
Breeds in forested wetlands of North America from southern Canada to the northern United States. Winters on rivers and lakes south to Mexico.
Is the Hooded Merganser endangered?
The Hooded Merganser has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Hooded Merganser nest?
Nest type: CV. Incubation: 29-37 days. Fledging: 71 days.
What does the Hooded Merganser sound like?
Male produces a low, rolling rolling-tum tumbling call; female gives a harsh, grating quack. The male's frog-like rolling call is unique among North American ducks during winter courtship.
How big is the Hooded Merganser?
The Hooded Merganser has a wingspan of 37.3 cm, weight of 638.0 g.
What order and family does the Hooded Merganser belong to?
The Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Anatidae family

Comparer

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