Habitat The Hooded Merganser nests in forested wetlands throughout its range. Some records show nesting in man-made boxes on grasslands and in nonforested wetlands. In the winter they seek out shallow, freshwater and brackish bays, estuaries, and tidal creeks and ponds. At the turn of the century, Hooded Mergansers were largely overhunted. Today, however, they are not a prized sport species.
Habitat degradation is now a more pressing concern for their conservation.
River channalization, deforestation, and agricultural practices have caused an increase in loose sediment and turbidity, reducing the available habitat for the Hooded Merganser. Also, acid rain has the potential to harm the species, because a low pH can cause a significant reduction in aquatic invertebrates. A diminished food supply would reduce the growth of young ducklings. There is no informaton on the exact population size, and the Hooded Merganser has no special conservation status. The Birds of North America.