The Serrata Capuchona, Oregon, USA
Every fall, Oregon's tranquil waterways come alive with the presence of the serreta capuchona, a small diving duck native to North America. Agile underwater, it dives to catch fish and other food. Males are noted for their white fan-shaped crests, dark heads and chestnut sides, while females have brownish-grey plumage and more inconspicuous crests.
Oregon's lakes and wetlands offer them safe feeding areas during their migration or winter. Among the six species of serreta capuchona, this is the second smallest. Males put on showy courtship displays, raising their crests to attract females, while their nests are usually located in tree cavities near water. Shortly after birth, the ducklings follow their mother into the water, initiating their aquatic life.
Classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its population is stable. Interestingly, its scientific name, Lophodytes, means "crest diver" in Greek, a nod to its graceful plumage and underwater prowess. Discovering them in their natural habitat is a unique experience that connects with the beauty of the American fauna.
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