Mergus merganser
Looking rather like a large jumbo jet taking off, the Common Merganser runs along the surface of the water, beating its wings until it gains sufficient speed for lift-off. The Common Merganser is the most widespread and the most common merganser in North America. It also occurs in Europe and Asia, where it is called the Goosander-'merganser' is derived from the Latin for 'diving goose.' These ducks are highly social, and they often gather in large assemblies during migration and winter. Whatever the season, Common Mergansers are wary birds that are nervous when they are near humans. When ice forms on northern lakes, Common Mergansers retreat to open water on rivers, cooling ponds and springs. |
I.D.: General: large, elongated body; long, red bill. Male: glossy green head without a crest; brilliant orange bill and feet; white body plumage; black spinal stripe. Female: rusty head; clean white neck and throat; gray body. In flight: shallow wing beats; body is compressed and arrow-like. Size: L 22-27 in. (56-69 cm). Range: common migrant and breeder in Yellowstone NP and northward; common winter resident on open water; uncommon migrant and common winter resident in the central and southern U.S. Rockies. Habitat: large rivers and deep lakes in the montane and the subalpine; on open water during winter. Nesting: often in a tree cavity 15-20 ft. (4.6-6.1 m) high; occasionally on the ground, under a bush or log, on a cliff ledge or in a large nest boxes; usually not far from water; female incubates 8-11 eggs for up to 35 days. Feeding: dives underwater (up to 30 ft. [9.1 m]) for small fish, usually trout, carp, suckers, perch and catfish; young eat aquatic invertebrates. Voice: Male: harsh uig-a, like a guitar twang. Female: harsh karr karr. Similar Species: Red-breasted Merganser: shaggy crest; male has a spotted, red breast; female lacks the cleanly defined, white throat. Mallard: male has a chestnut breast. Common Goldeneye: male has white cheek patches. Common Loon: white spotting on the back; bill is not orange. |
