Mergus cucullatus; Print; The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of small duck. It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes. The genus name derives from the Greek language: lophos meaning 'crest'; and dutes meaning diver. The bird is striking in appearance; both sexes have crests that they can raise or lower; and the breeding plumage of the male is handsomely patterned and coloured. The hooded merganser has a sawbill but is not classified as a typical merganser.; 1872