Hooded Merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus. Widespread and uncommon, potentially seen in Kansas during winter. Populations have struggled in the past but are now recovering. Their preferred habitat is of wooded ponds and swamps. Mergansers belong to the family of ducks and geese and are specialized for feeding on fish and crustaceans. They dive and swim underwater, hunting with eyes specialized to see in water. Males have much more eye-catching plumage with a striking black and white crest that can be raised and a bold yellow eye. Females are more plain looking, with grays and browns and a less fancy reddish crest.