General Description: Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) are sexually dimorphic pond "ducks" with a long, thin bill. Males have a black head and back with a white crest that can be raised and lowered. The breast is white with two black bars, and the flanks are rusty. Females are rusty brown overall with some white in the wings and a shaggy crest (it is always a bad hair day for lady mergansers).

Favored Habitat: Ponds and marshes; places with fish to eat.

Where to Find: Hooded Mergansers are uncommon around Las Vegas, but look for them at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, the Pahranagat Valley and the Overton Wildlife Management Area.