Common Merganser (American Subspecies)
Common Merganser (American Subspecies)
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The American subspecies of the Common Merganser (Mergus merganser americanus), also known as the Goosander in Eurasia, is a large diving duck widespread across North America. These impressive ducks are characterized by their specialized serrated bills, ideal for catching fish.
Where to spot
Common across North America, breeding in northern forests and wintering on larger, ice-free freshwater bodies and coastal bays further south. Look on large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
How to spot
Identify males by their clean white bodies, dark green heads, and prominent red bills. Females have a distinct reddish-brown head with a shaggy crest that sharply contrasts with their grey body. Watch for their characteristic long dives when foraging.
When to spot
Year-round in some regions, but most visible during winter on open water or during spring and summer on breeding territories along rivers and smaller lakes.
Where to spot
Common across North America, breeding in northern forests and wintering on larger, ice-free freshwater bodies and coastal bays further south. Look on large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
How to spot
Identify males by their clean white bodies, dark green heads, and prominent red bills. Females have a distinct reddish-brown head with a shaggy crest that sharply contrasts with their grey body. Watch for their characteristic long dives when foraging.
When to spot
Year-round in some regions, but most visible during winter on open water or during spring and summer on breeding territories along rivers and smaller lakes.
Female Common Mergansers often lead large crèches of ducklings, sometimes containing young from multiple broods, providing communal protection and foraging opportunities.
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