Lophodytes cucullatus

Mergansers live mainly in small lakes and ponds in eastern and central North America. The quantity is very small. There are even fewer in the West Bank. Winter migrates to the southern coastal areas of the United States.

The formation of mating pairs is quite uncertain, with some birds arriving at the breeding grounds having formed a mate, but other ducks still participate in courtship rituals leading to the selection of other partners. The time of arrival of the migration depends on the latitude of the region. It reaches the Great Lakes region of Missouri as early as February, and British Columbia from late March to mid - to late April, generally when the destination's ice melts.

Mergansers reach sexual maturity in 2 years, and courtship involves groups conducted by one or two females and several males simultaneously. The nests are located 3 to 6 feet off the ground in tree holes or hollow stumps, and also use natural caves or even artificial nest boxes. Female ducks are usually located not far from water sources. Form a shallow, bowl-shaped nest with forage and line it with belly feathers after ovulation. An average of 10 eggs are laid, usually between 5 and 13. The eggs are covered with down before they are placed in the nest. Incubation lasts 32 to 33 days. Once the female ducks begin to hatch, the males leave the site and continue to prepare for the rest of the breeding season.

The hatchlings are covered with fluff and left in the nest for 24 hours before they can walk around and feed themselves. The female uses her soft throat vocalises to guide her ducklings to waters rich in invertebrates and fish. Young ducks can dive, and initial attempts are shallow. After 70 days, the young ducks are able to fly.