Description
Male hooded mergansers have a large white crest
surrounded by black. The top of the head, neck, and
back are all black and the chest, breast, and belly
are white. Wavy black lines can be seen on the tawny
sides and flanks. The hind back, rump, and tail are
dark brown. The long narrow serrated bill is black.
The iris is bright yellow and the legs and feet are
dull yellow.
Female hooded mergansers have a gray-brown head and
neck with a reddish-brown crest. Gray pervades their
neck, chest, sides, and flanks, and brownish-black
their back, rump, and tail. The upper bill is black
edged with orange and the lower bill is yellow. The
legs and feet are greenish in color and the iris is
brown.
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