They take off by running on water, and they have a ceaseless and rapid wingbeat during flight. They land at high speeds and are often seen 'skiing' across the water to come to a stop. They dive well, holding their wings in close to their body and propelling themselves underwater with their feet. They have been seen gathering at roost sites in large groups during the nonbreeding season. 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.