Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
- Family
- Ducks, Swans, and Geese (Anatidae)
- Order
- Anseriformes
Overview
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 Greek: 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 colored.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Breeds southeastern Alaska to northwestern USA, southern Manitoba to Nova Scotia (central and southeastern Canada) southward to eastern Texas and northern Florida; winters to southern California, southern Texas, and southern Florida.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Continents
Countries
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Hooded merganser
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
