Common Merganser
NameCommon Merganser
Common NameCommon Merganser
Scientific NameMergus merganser
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)1500
Plumage DetailsMales have a striking iridescent dark green head, a white body, and a black back. Females, like the one pictured, have a rusty-brown, shaggy crest on the head, a white throat, and a grey body. Both sexes possess a long, slender, serrated red bill.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet, but can produce a variety of low croaks, grunts, and rattling calls, particularly during courtship or when disturbed.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, coastal waters
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in forested areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters on larger open water bodies, including some coastal areas, further south in temperate regions.
Identifying Featureslong, slender, serrated red bill, shaggy crest (especially prominent in females), diving behavior for fish, sleek white body and dark green head (males), rusty-brown head and grey body (females)
Description
The Common Merganser is a large diving duck known for its sleek appearance and piscivorous diet. It is often found on freshwater lakes and rivers, where it skillfully pursues fish underwater using its specialized serrated bill.
