Hooded Merganser

Recognition
The bird in the photograph is an adult male with a black and white head. The front part of the head is a black crest and the back of the head is white. These male birds have a white breast and rusty-red flanks. The eyes are bright yellow.

Females (and juveniles) are quite nondescript and are mostly brown in color. The head has a slight reddish tinge to it.

Where seen
They are occasionally seen in the mangroves behind Paul Revere Loop and the backwaters which lead up to the Marker 34 restaurant.

Jimmy’s notes
Only seen in OBV during the spring when it is on migration. This a diving duck and its name is derived from the Latin word “mergus” meaning waterfowl or diver, and “anser” meaning goose.