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THE HOODED MERGANSER. 



-HMergus cucullatus, Linn. 

 PLATE CCCCXIII.— Male and Female. 



Excepting the Smew or White Nun, the Hooded Merganser is the hand- 

 somest of its family. Its broad and rounded crest of pure white, with an 

 edging of jetty black, and which it closes or spreads out at pleasure, renders 

 the male of this species conspicuous on the waters to which it resorts. The 

 activity of its motions, the rapidity of its flight, and its other habits, con- 

 tribute to render it a pleasing object to the student of nature, not less than to 

 the sportsman. Its flesh, however, has a fishy taste and odour, although it is 

 relished by some persons. It seems to prefer fresh water, and is by no 

 means very frequent along the sea coast. Long, narrow, and moderately 

 deep creeks, or small ponds, are more frequented by it than large rivers or 

 lakes. 



On the waters of the Western and Southern States, these Mergansers are 

 seen to arrive from the north early in October, but generally later than many 

 species of Ducks, although sooner than either the Red-breasted Merganser 

 or the Goosander. At the approach of night, a person standing still on the 

 banks of such a river as the Ohio, first hears the well-known sound of wings 

 whistling through the air, presently after, a different noise, as if produced by 

 an Eagle stooping on her prey, when gliding downwards with the rapidity 

 of an arrow, he dimly perceives the Hooded Mergansers sweeping past. 

 Five or six, perhaps ten, there are; with quick beats of their pinions, they 

 fly low over the waters in wide circles. Now they have spied the entrance 

 of a creek; there they shoot into it, and in a few seconds you hear the 

 rushing noise which they make as they alight on the bosom of the still pool. 

 How often have I enjoyed such scenes, when enticed abroad by the clear 

 light of the silvery moon, I have wandered on the shores of la belle riviere, 

 to indulge in the contemplation of nature! 



Up the creek the Mergansers proceed, washing their bodies by short 

 plunges, and splashing up the water about them. Then they plume them- 

 selves, and anoint their feathers, now and then emitting a low grunting note 

 of pleasure. And now they dive in search of minnows, which they find in 

 abundance, and which no doubt prove delicious food to the hungry travellers. 



