In quiet backwaters and wooded wetlands, these stunning ducks can occasionally be seen skulking near the shoreline as they search for fish.

The male with a striking black head and extensible white crest, white breast, black back, and chestnut sides is truly a sight to behold. Females and immatures are quite plain by comparison: dull grayish-brown except for a reddish brown crest.

Hooded mergansers are surprisingly secretive and local during the breeding season. They breed locally throughout the Willamette Valley west to the coast and south to Coos County. They are casual from April to early October in the Umpqua Valley. During migration it is widespread through uncommon across Oregon, usually in sheltered areas of lakes and ponds and less commonly on estuaries. It winters throughout Oregon on open water, though it is most common in western Oregon.

Hear the call of the hooded mergansser

Photo by ©Greg Gilson