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Photos by Stan Rolfsrud
Note the yellow iris on the male. |
A pair of Hooded Mergansers winged by late today to try their luck in our fishing hole. They dived industriously for about 10 minutes -- one standing post while the other went under -- and came up with a shiny minnow or two. Then they were off, leaving the pond in peace to our nesting mallards. (We anticipate delivery of those chicks soon, if the red fox doesn't get them first.)
Here's what Ducks Unlimited says about today's visitors:
The hooded merganser is the smallest of the three merganser species occurring in North America. Male hooded mergansers have a large white crest surrounded by black. The top of the head, neck and back are all black, and the chest, breast and belly are white. Wavy black lines can be seen on the tawny sides and flanks. The hindback, rump and tail are dark brown. The long, narrow, serrated bill is black. The iris is bright yellow and the legs and feet are dull yellow. Female hooded mergansers have a gray-brown head and neck with a reddish-brown crest.
Population: Hooded mergansers are most common in the Great Lakes region and current information suggests a stable, possibly increasing population in some areas. However, data on population size and status are tenuous due to the secretive nature of this species. Historically, populations likely suffered from habitat loss.
Feeding Habits: Hooded mergansers dive in fresh water to feed on small fish, crayfish and other crustaceans and aquatic insects.
Population: Hooded mergansers are most common in the Great Lakes region and current information suggests a stable, possibly increasing population in some areas. However, data on population size and status are tenuous due to the secretive nature of this species. Historically, populations likely suffered from habitat loss.