THE HOODED MERGANSER. 



Mergus cucullatus, Linnseus. 

 Plate 52. 



This North American species is a very rare visitor to the British Islands, only 

 four well-authenticated examples having occurred on our coasts. The first of these 

 was obtained in the Menai Straits, North Wales, in the winter of 1830-31, a 

 pair were shot by Sir R. Payne-Gallwey in Cork Harbour in December 1878, 

 who also obtained a female on the north coast of Kerry in January 1881. Other 

 specimens are said to have occurred in Ireland as well as in England. 



The Hooded Merganser is plentifully distributed in summer over many parts 

 of North America, ranging in winter as far south as Mexico, Cuba, and the West 

 Indies. 



Millais, in describing the habits of this species in British Diving Ducks, says : 

 " Unlike the Goosander and Red-breasted Merganser, which delight in rushing 

 streams and sea estuaries and bays, the Hooded Merganser loves the quiet lakes 

 and pools of forest country. I have found it in British Columbia and Ontario 

 in much the same habitat as the Buffle-headed Duck. They are often found on 

 the same lakes as the Dusky and Wood Ducks, although not actually consorting 

 with those species. They seem to be altogether a more delicate form of Merganser 

 than the other species, and avoid rough winds and exposed situations of all kinds, 

 spending the day in exploring the depths of some quiet pool for fish and water- 

 insects." 



This species breeds in hollow trees, and lays from five to eight pale creamy- 

 white eggs. 



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