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Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

The Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a strikingly unique waterfowl native to North America, renowned for its distinctive crest and sexual dimorphism. These small mergansers are adept divers, often found in unfrozen lakes and rivers where they skillfully hunt for fish using their specialized sawbill.

Identification and Whereabouts

The male Hooded Merganser is distinguished by its striking black and white head and neck pattern, a definitive characteristic for identification. Observations often reveal them in pairs, with both male and female present. The female can be identified by the shape of her crest, as well as the proportions of her neck and overall size.

While Hooded Mergansers are reported to be present year-round, they are most commonly observed in late autumn and winter, when they can be seen catching small fish in open waters. In my experience, the best location to observe them is Rapids Park Lachine.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.