Birds of Cuba, Vagrant Visitors, Introduced Birds and Possibilities
Hooded Merganser
Harle couronné
Lophodytes cucullatus
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the Hooded Merganser
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18" 45.7cm | 24" 61cm | 1.4lb. 635g | Anatidae | Lophodytes cucullatus |
The Hooded Merganser is the smallest in the merganser family. This is one of only a few waterfowl who nest in tree cavities away from the edge of the water. When the young merganser hatches, it jumps from its nest, floating to the ground and heads off in the direction of the closest water. There has been a noticeable decline in the population of this waterfowl in recent years. There have been a few reports of these mergansers seen in Cuba.