 |
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Above: A drake Hooded Merganser in Worcester Co., Maryland (2/21/2010).
Below: A drake Hooded Merganser at Ocean Pines, Worcester Co., Maryland (1/6/2008).
Below: Drake Hooded Merganser at Centennial Lake, Howard Co., Maryland (12/23/2005).
Below three: OK, cuteness warning... Recently hatched Hooded Mergansers race to their mother's protection as we approach a quiet pond in Frederick Co., Maryland (4/22/2007).
Below: The protective mother dove upon our arrival, then reappeared on the other side of the pond. The 12 little ones immediately ran across the water to rejoin her. We left quickly so as to not disturb them.
Below: Two males displaying on this warm-for-December morning.
Below: Fledged young found in Worcester Co., Maryland (6/5/2005).
"Hoodies" are the smallest of the North American mergansers. They prefer freshwater ponds, rivers, and marshes, where they dive for small fish and other aquatic prey. The striking drake Hooded Merganser often raises and lowers his white crest in display.