Hooded merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of fish-eating duck in the subfamily Anatinae.
About the Hooded merganser
The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of fish-eating duck in the subfamily Anatinae. It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes. The genus name derives from the Greek language: lophos meaning 'crest', and dutes meaning 'diver'. The bird is striking in appearance; both sexes have crests that they can raise or lower, and the breeding plumage of the male is handsomely patterned and coloured. The hooded merganser has a sawbill but is not classified as a typical merganser. Hooded mergansers are the second-smallest species of merganser, with only the smew of Europe and Asia being smaller, and it also is the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America.
Fun Facts About Hooded merganser
- The bird is striking in appearance; both sexes have crests that they can raise or lower, and the breeding plumage of the male is handsomely patterned and coloured.
- Hooded mergansers are the second-smallest species of merganser, with only the smew of Europe and Asia being smaller, and it also is the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America.
- It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes.
Conservation Status
The Hooded merganser is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Lophodytes |
| Species | Lophodytes cucullatus |
Range & Habitat
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