The Hooded Merganser is one of North America's most spectacular waterfowl — the male can raise and lower a bold black-and-white fan-shaped crest at will. It is the smallest of the three North American mergansers and nests in tree cavities near clear, forested streams and ponds. It has a serrated bill for gripping small fish and crayfish, and a transparent third eyelid for underwater vision.
Best time to see a Hooded Merganser
The best time to see a Hooded Merganser is November–February, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 54,832 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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