The best feeder for hooded mergansers
Nests in tree cavities and wood-duck-style boxes near quiet wooded ponds and slow rivers.
Feeder styles that work
Water often attracts this species more than food.
What to fill it with
- None — needs fish-bearing water
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Hooded Merganser measures 15.8–19.3 in and weighs 16–31 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for hooded mergansers?
Shallow bird bath (1–2 in deep). Water often attracts this species more than food.
What should I put in a feeder for hooded mergansers?
None — needs fish-bearing water.
Where should I place a feeder for hooded mergansers?
Nests in tree cavities and wood-duck-style boxes near quiet wooded ponds and slow rivers.
Sources
- Hooded Merganser — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Hooded Merganser life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Hooded Merganser — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.