Bird
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserAlso known as Goosander
Common Mergansers are large streamlined diving ducks with long narrow red bills edged by backward-pointing serrations. Adult males have dark green heads and white bodies, while females show rusty crested heads and gray bodies.
diving duckfish huntercavity nester
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySmall fish, crayfish, aquatic insects
Predators
- eagles
- large gulls
- mink
ThreatsFishing-line entanglement, contaminated water, loss of cavity trees, and shoreline disturbance
HabitatsClear rivers, forested lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and sheltered coasts
Life spanOften ten years or more, with some banded individuals living beyond twenty years
Classification
- OrderAnseriformes
- FamilyAnatidae
- GenusMergus
- SpeciesMergus merganser
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep boats away from feeding flocks, nest cavities, and broods near shore.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for a long thin red bill and streamlined profile low on the water.
- Watch: Follow coordinated dives while maintaining a wide no-wake buffer.
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