Rare duck species in Heiðmörk
A Hooded Merganserp has been spotted in Heiðmörk, close to Reykjavík. Photo/Hafsteinn Björgvinsson
A rare Hooded Merganserp has been spotted on the ponds of Heiðmörk, a nature reserve on the outskirts of Reykjavík. The bird, which is one of the most spectacular of North American ducks is notable for its flexible crest and the striking pattern formed on its head, breast and back. This is the fourth of this species to have been spotted in Iceland.
According to Hafsteinn Björgvinsson who has been recording wildlife in the area believes this to be the same male bird as the one spotted in March this year.
Like the other merganser species, the Hooded is a diving duck equipped with a thin serrated bill well adapted to catching small fish.
