Photo Credit: alistairm1 on iNaturalist
As the ice starts to accumulate on our local lakes and ponds, most aquatic birds have migrated South for the winter. One species that can often be seen floating around on the unfrozen sections of local waterbodies is the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). Males of this species have unique and distinctive markings that from a distance can resemble plumage of the Common Loon. In November, a pair of Hooded Mergansers was seen on Amherst Lake in Plymouth VT and in early December, a male Hooded Merganser was swimming around Woodward Reservoir in Plymouth VT.
In general, Mergansers can be found in New England year-round but are most noticeable in winter and spring when many of the other bird species have migrated. In spring and summer, they can be found nesting near ponds, rivers, and other forested wetlands in tree nest cavities. As winter approaches, Mergansers tend to move from smaller ponds, wetlands, and rivers to larger freshwater lakes, marshes, and bays to feed and congregate. Hooded Mergansers are considered “resident to medium distance migrants” according to Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Some groups remain where they are or travel to more Northern areas while others travel South. The Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) and Red Breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) are quite picky when it comes to their diet and only consume fish. Hooded Mergansers have a varied diet and consume crayfish, fish, aquatic insects, plants, mollusks, and amphibians.
Hooded Mergansers are frequently found in groups or in pairs which makes them easy to locate. An additional feature that makes them easy to locate is the male’s large white crest. Hooded Mergansers can raise and lower their crests like a flag and the flashy white of the male’s crest is easy to spot against a dark background of water. Females also have a crest, but it is a light grayish brown and is not as flashy. Males tend to keep their tail pointed when swimming while females occasionally point their tail into the water. Hooded Mergansers have thin bills and are relatively small birds. Males have yellow eyes while the female’s eyes tend to be a darker brown. Males have distinctive black and white stripes on their breast and back with a brown patch on their sides. Females have a more uniform grayish brown plumage.
As you pass by lakes, ponds, and wetlands this winter and early spring, keep an eye out for Hooded Mergansers swimming around in open sections of water. You may even be lucky enough to see the males fluff up their head feathers and get a glimpse of their white crest!
To view some excellent photos as well as a video of Hooded Mergansers, check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds Website.