Hooded Merganser
The Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a small duck and is the only member of the genus Lophodytes.
 |
| Hooded Merganser |
image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ken_Billington
 |
| Hooded Merganser |
image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dger
Hooded Mergansers have a crest at the back of the head which can be expanded or contracted. In adult males, this crest has a large white patch, the head is black and the sides of the duck are reddish-brown. The adult female has a reddish crest, with much of the rest of the head and body a greyish-brown. 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 is also the only Merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America.
 |
| Hooded Merganser |
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahvain/
