Hooded Merganser

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Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Ponds (very rare vagrant).
Diet: Fish.
Best time to spot: Fan-shaped white crest.

When to look

A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in Rare birds in the UK.

How rare is it?

The Hooded Merganser sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• American BitternLegendary · Reedbeds (very rare vagrant)
• Pied-billed GrebeLegendary · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• Snowy EgretLegendary · Coastal pools (very rare vagrant)
• American CootLegendary · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
• Black-faced BuntingLegendary · Coastal scrub (very rare vagrant)
• Brown FlycatcherLegendary · Coastal scrub (very rare vagrant)

Kit that helps

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