Hooded Merganser
Geography: Canada
Date: Painted in 1930
Dimensions:Width=30; Height=23 cm
Taxonomy
- Attributes
- Objects
- Taxonomy
- Kingdom:
Animalia
- Phylum:
Chordata
- Class:
Aves
- Order:
Anseriformes
- Family:
Anatidae
- Genus:
Lophodytes
- SpecificEpithet:
cucullatus
Object number: 931.84.1
DescriptionThe Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) male is one of our most striking waterfowl. The painting portrays the male in its natural habitat, secluded wetland ponds and rivers, alongside the somewhat duller female. This striking duck performs elaborate courtship displays that include bobbing, crest-raising, wing-flapping, and ritualized preening. Major Allan Brooks (1869-1920) was Canada’s foremost bird painter in the first half of the twentieth century. Mostly self-taught, he used watercolours for most of his paintings. He was well known for his accurate rendition of Canadian birds and his wonderful depiction of their natural habitat. In 1926, the poet Wallace Havelock Robb presented the Museum with 72 of Brook’s paintings, the largest collection in existence.
