Jan. 3, 2025: Hooded Mergansers around Falmouth in winter months, dive for prey is shallow ponds, engage in courtship displays, and thrive in small groups showcasing striking beauty and behavior. This male Hooded Merganser was recently seen paddling around the southwest corner of Salt Pond off of Surf Drive.

Hooded Mergansers, small and striking diving ducks, are a common sight in Falmouth during the winter months. These birds often gather in small groups on the region’s shallow, freshwater ponds and estuaries. Their behavior in these habitats is a fascinating blend of social interaction and resourceful feeding.

During winter, Hooded Mergansers can be seen diving for small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, using their specialized serrated bills to grasp slippery prey. They prefer quiet, sheltered waters surrounded by wooded edges, which provide abundant foraging opportunities and protection from predators.

In groups, these ducks exhibit dynamic social behavior. Males, with their dramatic black-and-white crests, perform courtship displays even in winter, raising and fanning their crests while emitting soft croaks and whistles to attract females. Meanwhile, females remain more subdued in coloration but are equally active, focusing on feeding to maintain energy reserves during the colder months.

The combination of their striking appearance, unique feeding techniques, and engaging social interactions makes Hooded Mergansers a highlight for birders exploring Cape Cod’s winter landscapes.