 |
Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) |
This very striking sawbill originates from the
SE of Alaska through some of the northern states of America, being most
common in the Great Lakes region. Like other Mergansers it has a serrated
bill in order to grip fish, which make up most of its diet, though it
will also eat aquatic invertebrates such as Crayfish. It prefers to
live by brackish and coastal waters in winter. It is the smallest of
all the Mergansers. The male in the photo below was photographed mid
March in his full breeding plumage. |
 |
When in full breeding plumage this is clearly
a very handsome duck. Even when in non breeding colours he still deserves
a second look. The photo below shows a first season male. It takes two
years for a male to gain his full breeding plumage. |
 |
I also think that the female deserves more than
a second glance. She is one of my favourite ducks. She is so delicate
yet sophisticated looking that I just love to photograph her. |
 |
 |
During March at Martinmere the males start
to display. For the first time this year 2005 I got to watch and photograph
them doing this. With their hoods held high they swim quickly trying
to attract a females attention. Then suddenly they stop and start to
swifty wag their tails. This then moves up the whole body as it starts
to quiver, culminating in the finale whereby the male throws back his
head and utters a deep throaty growling sound. |
 |
Juvenile |
 |
