Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
Allendale, New Jersey
A small fish-eating duck of wooded ponds nests in holes in trees. It is frequently seen on shallow waters. Female Hooded Merganser has a brownish body, head with bushy rufous crest. Small white patch on chin. Breast and neck slaty. Tail brownish. Wings blackish brown. Small white patch at base of wings. Eyes brownish buff.