Lophodytes cucullatus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Hooded merganser
French : Harle couronné

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Unmistakable species, reaching a body length of 50 cm and a weight of 910 g. Females smaller and dark grey with small brown crest. Males black with brown flanks, white breast and belly and large black and white crest. Very thin bill.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America and breeds in south-west and south-east Canada and adjacent north USA. Eastern populations migrate to south USA. Lives in small lakes and fast flowing streams in wooded areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species seems to remain safe but it could suffer from overhunting and degradation of habitat, particularly in breeding areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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