Preferring small, secluded lakes and shady streams, Hooded Mergansers blend easily into the shadows along the water's edge. Their elegant, showy hoods are dazzling when spotted. Hooded Mergansers have slim bodies, about 17 inches in length. Males are primarily black, with some white on hood and breast, and females have grey, rusty—brown plumage.
Fun Fact Usually only a couple of Hooded Mergansers are spotted during fall in Northern California.