Common Merganser

9 hours ago

Spotted

The Common Merganser is a large, streamlined diving duck, the largest of the mergansers, identifiable by its slender, serrated bill adapted for catching fish. Males are striking with a dark green head, gleaming white body, and black back.

Where to spot

Breeds near freshwater lakes and rivers in forested regions across temperate North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters on large ice-free freshwater bodies and coastal bays throughout its breeding range and further south.

How to spot

Look for them on large freshwater lakes, rivers, and estuaries. Males are unmistakable with their sleek, dark green head and clean white body. Females have a shaggy, reddish-brown crest that contrasts sharply with their white throat, and a grey body. Both have a prominent red, slender bill.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in suitable habitats, but large flocks are more common during winter.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in suitable habitats, but large flocks are more common during winter.

Credits: Ouwesok

Credits: mgrimm82

Credits: cricketsblog

Credits: Ouwesok

Common Mergansers are highly social during winter, often forming large flocks that 'corral' fish, herding them into shallower water for easier capture.

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