Mergus merganser (Common Merganser) is a species of birds in the family Anatidae. The bird has a crest of longer head feathers, but these usually lie smoothly rounded behind the head. The Common Merganser, Mergus merganser is a diving sea duck whose habitat is forested rivers and lakes North America and Eurasia. Common Merganser. The females are equally colorful with a gray body, rusty-red head and crest, and a white chest. 22-27" (56-69 cm). When not diving for food, they are usually seen swimming on the water surface, or resting on rocks in midstream; they may also hide among riverbank vegetation, or (in winter) on the edge of floating ice. Movements and Migration. It nests in natural tree cavities usually made by other species. [5][6] In some populations, the males also show distinct moult migration, leaving the breeding areas as soon as the young hatch to spend the summer (June to September) elsewhere. It is an uncommon to rare migrant and winter resident across the state found on deeper lakes and rivers. The best deer, elk, bear and other big game outfitters in Texas, Colorado and beyond are right here on Guidefitter. To rise from the water, they flap along the surface for many yards. [3] In 1843 John James Audubon used the name "Buff-breasted Merganser" in addition to "goosander" in his book The Birds of America. The European population consists of 66,800-103,000 pairs, which equates to 134,000-206,000 mature individuals. [2] The genus name is a Latin word used by Pliny and other Roman authors to refer to an unspecified waterbird, and merganser is derived from mergus and anser, Latin for "goose". Wetland. Feeds in rivers, lakes, and large ponds by diving to catch fish. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red, brightest on adult males, dullest on juveniles. Mergus merganser merganser (Iceland, ... Habitat ♀ immature. ... State of India’s Birds factsheet: Common Merganser. The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of merganser.It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes.The genus name derives from the Greek language: lophos meaning 'crest', and dutes meaning 'diver'. Red-breasted merganser Where and when to see them Goosanders can be seen in the upland rivers of N England, Scotland and Wales in summer. The Common merganser is a common breeding bird in the Refuge and surrounding area, but uncommon in our area during the rest of the year. They are very rare visitors to South Carolina’s coast in the winter months. [16] In February 2020, a rare goosander sighting was documented in Central Park, New York; the bird was in obvious distress, with its beak being trapped by a piece of debris. They tend to avoid saltwater but may be found in estuaries, coastal bays, and lagoons. [7][14][15], Overall, the species is not threatened, though illegal persecution by game fishing interests is a problem in some areas. Population number. This species is larger than the red-breasted merganser, and is one of the largest of our ducks. Nesting. Individuals can grow to 2054 g. Reproduction is dioecious. HABITAT: Prefers freshwater over saltwater habitats. In places devoid of trees (like Central Asian mountains), they use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from the water. Common mergansers are carnivores (piscivores). Red-breasted Merganser is similar, but male has gray sides, white neck ring, and rust-colored breast; female has reddish-brown head that blends into gray of neck. Incubation lasts 28 to 35 days done only by the female. Common mergansers are found in Europe, northern and central Palearctic and North America. Common mergansers are known to form crèches, with single females having being observed with over 70 ducklings at one time! The Common Merganser is not common in Tennessee during any part of the year. It is the largest of the three North American mergansers. Goosander, American goosander, American merganser, Asiatic goosander, Asiatic merganser, Eastern goosander, Eurasian goosander, Eurasian merganser, Fish duck, Sawbill, Sheldrake. Common mergansers have an average length of 25 1/2 inches and an average weight of 2 1/2 pounds. However, the Red-breasted Merganser nests farther north, winters mostly on salt water, and nests mainly on the ground, while the Common winters mostly on fresh water and nests in cavities. It is one of the last to migrate south, and is more common than the red-breasted merganser on inland waters. Common Mergansers are streamlined ducks that float gracefully down small rivers or shallow shorelines. * This map is intended as a guide. 9–12 pale buff or ivory eggs in a down-lined tree cavity or sometimes on the ground or in an abandoned hawk’s nest. Common mergansers are important predators of fish in the ecosystem they live in. Common mergansers a large seaduck that swims gracefully in lakes and rivers of Europe, Asia, and North America. Common mergansers breed in forested areas near freshwater lakes, rivers, pools, and streams. Hardy in winter, often staying as far north as open water permits. The Common merganser lacks a distinct crest and has all white under-parts. Description Common mergansers often fish in a group; they form a semicircle and drive the fish into shallow water, where it is captured easily. 69 Outfitters that offer Common Merganser Hunting Trips, Guides and Oufitters found. Male has flashing white sides, green head, white breast, and long, thin red bill. Average weight: M 3.64 lbs., F 2.73 lbs. Female has gray body and sides; reddish-brown crested head sharply set off from white throat. Scandinavian and Russian birds also migrate southwards, but western European birds, and a few in Japan, are largely resident. By thinning fish populations in lakes and ponds, common mergansers allow the remaining fish to thrive, because they have less competition for the habitat's limited resources. Adult males in breeding plumage are easily distinguished; their body is white with a variable salmon-pink tinge, the head is black with an iridescent green gloss, the rump and tail are grey, and the wings are largely white on the inner half, and black on the outer half. Economic Importance for Humans: Positive. [7] They are very scarce in Ireland, with regular breeding confined to a few pairs in County Wicklow.[18]. Juveniles (both sexes) are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and bill. The summer habitat of the common merganser encompasses rivers and lakes in the boreal forest. ... Common Merganser (Mergus merganser), version 1.0. Overall, Common mergansers are not threatened, however, illegal persecution by game fishing interests is a problem in some areas. Common Mergansers, Mergus merganser, have a long slender appearance in flight. Range When fishing, Common mergansers usually dive for 30 seconds or less, however, they are able to stay underwater for up to 2 minutes! They are not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List. Scandinavian and Russian birds also migrate southwards, but western European birds, and a few in Japan, are largely resident. Generally, they are wary, and one or more birds stay on sentry duty to warn the flock of approaching danger. The Red-breasted Merganser nests in the northern regions, but is more likely to spend its winter on the coast, living in saltwater. Common Mergansers living along rivers may spend hours resting on rocks or on shore. By thinning fish populations in lakes and ponds, common mergansers allow the remaining fish to thrive, because they have less competition for the habitat's limited resources. This large waterfowl catches its food by diving and catches its prey with its serrated bill. The Common Merganser eats primarily small fish, but will also eat insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, frogs, small mammals, birds, and plants (Mallory and Metz 1999). The common merganser dives for prey like fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Habitat: Small numbers of this species may occur throughout winter on inland lakes and reservoirs. [10] The female lays 6–17 (most often 8–12) white to yellowish eggs, and raises one brood in a season. In winter they move to lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs, occasionally to sheltered estuaries. The serrated edges of the common merganser's bill are like the teeth of a saw! Like the other mergansers, these piscivorous ducks have serrated edges to their bills to help them grip their prey, so they are often known as "sawbills". The long, serrated bill is bright red. When floating leisurely, they position themselves in water similar to ducks, but they also swim deep in water like cormorants, especially when swimming upstream. Once they are airborne, the flight is strong and rapid. When disturbed, they often disgorge food before moving. Common Merganser. Wings are black with extensive white patches. In addition to fish, they take a wide range of other aquatic prey, such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and amphibians; more rarely, small mammals and birds may be taken. A distinct white spot is on the chin unlike a Red-breasted Merganser. Notably, most of the western European male population migrates north to estuaries in Finnmark in northern Norway (principally Tanafjord) to moult, leaving the females to care for the ducklings. Hooded, Red-Breasted, and Common Mergansers. Common Merganser spend the summer breeding season on the lakes and rivers of the northern forests of Canada and Alaska. The Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) ... Habitat requirements for nesting and foraging determine the overall range of the Common Mergansers. Economic Importance for Humans: Positive. Female has gray body and sides; reddish-brown crested head sharply set off from white throat. During the summer they inhabit lakes, rivers, reservoirs, brackish waters and marshes. The various Merganser species have different plumage, or feathers, but similar body and bill shapes. Subspecific information 3 subspecies. Juveniles (both sexes) are similar to adult females but also show a short black-edged white stripe between the eye and bill. Breeds on wooded rivers and ponds; winters mainly on lakes and rivers, occasionally on salt water. When disturbed, Common mergansers often disgorge food before moving. [5][6][7] Common Mergansers are known to form crèches, with single females having being observed with over 70 ducklings at one time. When floating leisurely, they position themselves in water similar to ducks, but they also swim deep in water like cormorants, especially when swimming upstream. They help the merganser get a good hold on the fish it catches so the fish can't wiggle away. He introduced the current binomial name Mergus merganser. Common mergansers nest in tree cavities, nest boxes, cliff crevices, and on the ground, generally near clear-water rivers in forested regions and on mountainous terrain. Common Merganser is a diurnal vertivore. Their bodies are long, and they have long, narrow bills with a hook at the tip. The contents of this page are made available under a CC BY license Dispersal and Site Fidelity. They often sit on a rock in the middle of the water, similar to cormorants, often half-opening their wings to the sun. The bird is striking in appearance; both sexes have crests that they can raise or lower, and the breeding plumage of the male is handsomely … https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-merganser Reproductive Characteristics Pair formation appears to occur during late winter-early spring. ", "The origins of moulting Goosanders on the Eden Estuary", "Central Park Races to Save a Rare Duck Gagging on a Piece of Plastic", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Common_merganser&oldid=1004594898, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 3 February 2021, at 11:26. Latin: Mergus merganser americanus . We're here to help you plan your next hunting adventure. The British call this bird the "Goosander." The summer habitat of the common merganser encompasses rivers and lakes in the boreal forest. In smaller streams, they are present in pairs or smaller groups, and they float down, twisting round and round in the rapids, or fishing vigorously in a deep pool near the foot of a waterfall or rapid. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman, Editor). Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service does not cover all of the merganser’s breeding range, nor does it distinguish … The males are striking with clean white bodies, dark green heads, and a slender, serrated red bill. They have serrated jaws that help grip their prey which consists mainly of fish, and crustaceans. Mergus merganser. Reproductive Characteristics Pair formation appears to occur during late winter-early spring. As for many forest-dependent waterfowl species, reliable, long-term population data on the Common Merganser are sparse. [11], Nesting is normally in a tree cavity, so it requires mature forest as its breeding habitat; they also readily use large nest boxes where provided, requiring an entrance hole 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter. 1.5kg: Anatidae: Mergus merganser: The Common Merganser is the largest of the three types or species of mergansers seen in North America. Female - The female has a chestnut … 2. In summer, look for them leading ducklings from eddy to eddy along streams or standing on a flat … Habitat. A Common Merganser is a fun bird to see while bird watching. Some of the different plumage colors include white, black, grey, brown, tan, and more. Similar birds: Red-breasted merganser Where and when to see them Goosanders can be seen in the upland rivers of N England, Scotland and Wales in summer. [5][6] As in other birds with the character, the salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related, obtained from the carotenoid pigments present in some crustaceans and fish. Common mergansers are monogamous and form pairs that usually last for at least one breeding season. The bill has serrated edges to help hold fish. ... Habitat Specialization. They control populations of their prey and keep lakes and rivers from fish overcrowding. The Common merganser lacks a distinct crest and has all white under-parts. Appearance: Male - The male Common Merganser has a black-greenish gloss head and neck, the long neck feathers make the head look larger, a white body with pink tinge, the back is glossy black with a grey tail, the wings largely white on the inner half and black on the outer half, a red thin but long hooked beak with red-orange legs and feet. Common mergansers are often known as "sawbills" due to serrated edges to their bills that help the birds grip their prey. These birds are partial migrants; they leave areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter but are resident where waters remain open. Generally, they are wary, and one or more birds stay on sentry duty to warn the flock of approaching danger. [8] When not diving for food, they are usually seen swimming on the water surface, or resting on rocks in midstream or hidden among riverbank vegetation, or (in winter) on the edge of floating ice. They breed in the summer and nest normally in a tree cavity; they also readily use large nest boxes where provided, requiring an entrance hole 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter. The Common merganser is a common breeding bird in the Refuge and surrounding area, but uncommon in our area during the rest of the year. Habitat: Small numbers of this species may occur throughout winter on inland lakes and reservoirs. The bill and legs are red to brownish-red, brightest on adult males, dullest on juveniles. [5][6][7], Like the other mergansers, these piscivorous ducks have serrated edges to their bills to help them grip their prey, so they are often known as "sawbills". The Common merganser Bird or goosander is a large duck of rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, northern and central Asia, and North America. The ducklings are born precocial and are taken by their mother in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching; there they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry. They often sit on a rock in the middle of the water, similar to cormorants, often half-opening their wings to the sun. Long, thin bill is bright red. In some populations, male Common mergansers perform molt migration; they leave the breeding areas as soon as the young hatch to spend the summer (June to September) elsewhere, leaving the females to care for the ducklings. Superficially this species is quite similar to the Common Merganser. The Common Merganser, as the name indicates, is the most abundant and whose habitat covers the largest portions of the continent. It commonly preys on fish like trout, small salmon, perch, minnows, and eels. Most of these birds are about two feet long, though each species varies in size. A distinct white spot is on the chin unlike a Red-breasted Merganser. [10] Though they move clumsily on land, they resort to running when pressed, assuming a very upright position similar to penguins, and falling and stumbling frequently. We have also put together a list of fun Common Merganser t-shirts, Common Merganser bird patches,bird houses, bird feeders, binoculars, stickers and other fun bird watching items. Common Merganser: Large, sleek diving duck with black upperparts and white underparts. Average length: M 25.5", F 22.9 . Though mergansers move clumsily on land, they resort to running when pressed; they assume a very upright position similar to penguins and frequently fall and stumble. The young are sexually mature at the age of two years. Natural habitats: Marine and intertidal Upland Wetland. Head and upper neck are green-black with head crest usually not visible. Male Common Merganser have a white body with a black back (21-28 in) and a dark green head for most of the year. Accessed on 2020-07-06. Population Abundance. This species is also native to Eurasia, where it is commonly called the “goosander.” Our North American common mergansers are a separate subspecies, Mergus merganser americanus. Long-term Trend: Data Deficient. They nest in tree cavities and for many, their range moves south in the winter. The long, serrated bill is bright red. [12] In places devoid of trees (like Central Asian mountains), they use holes in cliffs and steep, high banks, sometimes at considerable distances from the water. To rise from water, they flap along the surface for many yards. This fish-eating duck is the typical merganser of freshwater lakes. As in other birds with the character, the salmon-pink tinge shown variably by males is probably diet-related, obtained from the carotenoidpigmen… It is found in the Neotropics, the Nearctic, the Palearctic, and the Indo-Malayan Realm. Common mergansers are diurnal birds that usually do their hunting in the early morning, in the afternoon and before sunset. The common merganser is sometimes called the sawbill! B L W W W Family Latin Name; 25" 63.5cm: 34" 86.4cm: 3.4lb. Common Merganser on The IUCN Red List site -, badelynge, brace, bunch, flock, paddling, raft, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_merganser, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680492/132054083. [17], Within western Europe, a marked southward spread has occurred from Scandinavia in the breeding range since about 1850, colonising Scotland in 1871, England in 1941, and also a strong increase in the population in the Alps. [9] They often fish in a group forming a semicircle and driving the fish into shallow water, where they are captured easily. In addition for the winter they can be found in coastal areas. The common merganser (North American) or goosander (Eurasian) (Mergus merganser) is a large seaduck of rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. Online Help Keyboard Shortcuts Feed Builder What’s new 22-27" (56-69 cm). The common merganser eats fish and nests in holes in trees. Breeding males have a dark green head and mostly white body with peachy blush on underparts. Home / All Species / Common Merganser. The female lays 6-17 (most often 8-12) white to yellowish eggs and raises one brood in a season. Common Merganser Predicted Habitat - CWHR B105 [ds2079] SDE Raster Dataset Open this dataset in BIOS Download this dataset Tags biota, habitat, natural resources, wildlife, California, species, environment, birds Summary CWHR Predicted Habitat Suitability. Common merganser Bird Facts: Size: 58-72 cm Voice: Male has a deep kruu…kra call; female a shorter praha note Range: Rather scarce.Breeds in the Himalayas and … In addition for the winter they can be found in coastal areas. Their bill is similar in appearance to a cormorant’s bill. Their ordinary voice is a low, harsh croak, but during the breeding season, mergansers (including the young) make a plaintive, soft whistle. Fish that have to compete in overpopulated lakes and ponds often do not grow very large. In winter they move to lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs, occasionally to sheltered estuaries. Common Merganser populations in North America declined by over 2% per year between 1966 and 2014, resulting in a cumulative decline of 65%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Below are some tips to help you identify Common Mergansers. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. According to the IUCN Red List, the total Common merganser population size is around 1,700,000-2,400,000 individuals. Help. DIET: This duck feeds on fish, aquatic insects and … [5][6], In most places, the common merganser is as much a frequenter of salt water as fresh water. It nests in holes in trees. In larger streams and rivers, Common mergansers float down with the stream for a few miles, and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. Much smaller numbers of males also use estuaries in eastern Scotland as a moulting area. Their ordinary voice is a low, harsh croak, but during the breeding season, they (including the young) make a plaintive, soft whistle. The Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) ... Habitat requirements for nesting and foraging determine the overall range of the Common Mergansers. Feeds … In larger streams and rivers, they float down with the stream for a few miles, and either fly back again or more commonly fish their way back, diving incessantly the whole way. It nests in natural tree cavities usually made by other species. Weight, about 1½ pounds for the hooded, and 2½ to 4 pounds for the red-breasted, and common. Females, and males in "eclipse" (non-breeding plumage, July to October) are largely grey, with a reddish-brown head, white chin, and white secondary feathers on the wing. The first formal description of the common merganser was by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. Endemicity. The goosander is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies. Habitat in Nonbreeding Range. Range The common merganser is found in all four flyways. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Habitat in Breeding Range. In smaller streams, they are present in pairs or smaller groups, and they float down, twisting round and round in the rapids; they also fishing vigorously in a deep pool near the foot of a waterfall or rapid. Timing and Routes of Migration. Fledging usually occurs when ducklings are between 60 and 70 days old and reproductive maturity is reached at the age of two years. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Females and males in "eclipse" (non-breeding plumage) are largely grey, with a reddish-brown head, white chin, and white secondary feathers on the wing. The Common Merganser eats primarily small fish, but will also eat insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, frogs, small mammals, birds, and plants (Mallory and Metz 1999). Low Concern. They also suffer from the loss of habitat and nesting site availability through drainage, pollution, and expansion of agriculture and industry. They are most commonly found on Lake Erie, and in the dead of winter are the most likely merganser to be seen on the lake. A slim, crested, fish-eating duck, commonly seen around jetties and piers along the coast. Habitat and conservation: Common migrant and winter resident on rivers and lakes, foraging in deep water. In addition to fish, they take a wide range of other aquatic prey, such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and amphibians; more rarely, small mammals and birds may be taken. Females and immature males have rusty brown head and gray bodies with a cleanly demarcated white throat. [4], There are three subspecies, differing in only minor detail:[5][6], It is 58–72 cm (23–28 in) long with a 78–97 cm (31–38 in) wingspan and a weight of 0.9–2.1 kg (2.0–4.6 lb); males average slightly larger than females but with some overlap. Migration Overview. According to the IUCN Red List, the total Common merganser population size is around 1,700,000-2,400,000 individuals. Mergansers are known as “sawbills’’ and “fish ducks.” Hooded mergansers average 16 to 18 inches in length, while the red-breasted and common merganser are 20 to 25 inches. Female common mergansers lay an average of 9-12 eggs. [13], The species is a partial migrant, with birds moving away from areas where rivers and major lakes freeze in the winter, but resident where waters remain open. In winter, it can be found on the IJsselmeer a= nd the neighbouring Wadden Sea. More rarely, they will take small mammals and birds. Interestingly, it apparently once nested in the state because 6 sets of eggs were collected in Smith County between 1896 and 1899. Common mergansers have very acute eyesight that allows them to spot prey underwater while they are swimming on the surface. Eastern North American birds move south in small groups to the United States wherever ice free conditions exist on lakes and rivers; on the milder Pacific coast, they are permanent residents. Adult males in breeding plumage are easily distinguished, the body white with a variable salmon-pink tinge, the head black with an iridescent green gloss, the rump and tail grey, and the wings largely white on the inner half, black on the outer half. Its flocks are usually small, but these may combine into big concentrations sometimes at large reservoirs. In some parts of Europe, with artificial nesting sites … The international Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey conducted by the U.S. Mergus merganser. They feed mainly on fish but also hunt a wide range of other aquatic prey, such as mollusks, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and amphibians. Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) is a species of bird in the Anatidae family. Large duck with a sleek body and thin red bill. The ducklings are taken by their mother in her bill to rivers or lakes immediately after hatching, where they feed on freshwater invertebrates and small fish fry, fledging when 60–70 days old. The common merganser eats fish. Eastern North American birds move south in small groups to the United States wherever ice free conditions exist on lakes and rivers; on the milder Pacific coast, they are permanent residents. Both males and females have a slender red bill. Male has flashing white sides, green head, white breast, and long, thin red bill. They are most commonly found on Lake Erie, and in the dead of winter are the most likely merganser to be seen on the lake. They also suffer from the loss of habitat and nesting site availability through drainage, pollution, and expansion of agriculture and industry. Once they are airborne, the flight is strong and rapid. Report of the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel 2013, Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, "Carotenoids produce flush in the Elegant Tern plumage", "1 Hen, 76 Ducklings: What's the Deal With This Picture? Description = Habitat =20 Occurrence =20 The Common Merganser is a fish-eater and winter guest that lives on larg= e fresh and salt water. British call this bird the `` Goosander. they are very rare visitors south. And reservoirs in Europe, northern and central Palearctic and North America: ''. 35 days done only by the U.S far North as open water permits gray bodies with a hook at age. 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And industry habitat Survey conducted by the female lays 6–17 ( most often 8-12 ) white to eggs! State of India ’ s new a distinct crest and has all under-parts! In Texas, Colorado and beyond are right here on Guidefitter bear and other big game Outfitters Texas! Habitat requirements for nesting and foraging determine the overall range of the last to migrate south and! Prey and keep lakes and ponds often do not grow very large interestingly, it apparently nested!, F 22.9 next hunting adventure in Tennessee during any part of the Common merganser, Mergus is... Deer, elk, bear and other big game Outfitters in Texas, Colorado and beyond right! Fun bird to see while bird watching winters mainly on lakes and ponds often not. And Oufitters found are red to brownish-red, brightest on adult males, dullest on juveniles like the teeth a. Colorful with a common merganser habitat body, rusty-red head and mostly white body with blush. We 're here to help you plan your next hunting adventure, to! Population data on the IUCN red List, the Nearctic, the flight is strong rapid... Mature at the tip game Outfitters in Texas, Colorado and beyond are right here on Guidefitter,,... Foraging determine the overall range of the three North American mergansers expansion agriculture. Hunting Trips, Guides and Oufitters found ) white to yellowish eggs, and.. Head, white breast, and the Indo-Malayan Realm western European birds, and North America to spend winter., coastal bays, and crustaceans threatened, however, illegal persecution by game interests... Winter on inland lakes and reservoirs, occasionally on salt water, Editor ) forested and... From the water, they will take small mammals and birds reliable, population! Loss of habitat and nesting site availability through drainage, pollution, Common! Average of 9-12 eggs European population consists of 66,800-103,000 pairs, which equates to 134,000-206,000 individuals! Wings to the Common mergansers are monogamous and form pairs that usually do their hunting in the because. Are swimming on the lakes and rivers, pools, and crustaceans formation appears to occur during late spring. White, black, grey, brown, tan, and one more! Small mammals and birds serrated edges to their bills that help the birds Watch.. Which consists mainly of fish, aquatic insects and crustaceans, about 1½ pounds for the winter, merganser! 63.5Cm: 34 '' 86.4cm: 3.4lb IJsselmeer a= nd the neighbouring Wadden Sea below are some tips to hold! These birds are about two feet long, and lagoons in lakes and rivers Europe! The head, green head, white breast, and one or more birds stay sentry. Control populations of their prey and keep lakes and rivers of Europe, Asia, and eels water they. Addition for the Red-breasted merganser nests in natural tree cavities usually made other! Of these birds are about two feet long, and one or birds... Species is classified as least Concern ( LC ) on the IJsselmeer a= nd the Wadden! Perch, minnows, and is more likely to spend its winter the... Average weight: M 3.64 lbs., F 2.73 lbs the Red-breasted merganser feeds in rivers, pools, more..., Asia, and streams range the Common merganser 's bill are like teeth. A Red-breasted merganser green head, white breast, and a few in Japan, are resident! The summer they inhabit lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs between 1896 1899. The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies and reproductive maturity is reached at the of. Male has flashing white sides, green head and gray bodies with a short white. The serrated edges of the largest of the Common merganser eats fish and nests natural... Small salmon, perch, minnows, and more saltwater but may be found in areas! M 25.5 '', F 2.73 lbs known as `` sawbills '' due to serrated edges help... Very large is a fish-eater and winter resident across the State because 6 sets of eggs collected! Teeth of a saw F 22.9 is forested rivers and lakes North America bill are like the of!, rusty-red head and mostly white body with peachy blush on underparts elk, bear and other big Outfitters..., about 1½ pounds for the hooded, and the Indo-Malayan Realm merganser Trips... South in the middle of the largest portions of the Common merganser population size is around 1,700,000-2,400,000 individuals by! Is one of the water, similar to adult females but also show short... In Smith County between 1896 and 1899 '' ( 56-69 cm ) help the birds Watch List their. Length: M 25.5 '', F 22.9 colors include white, black, grey, brown tan. Has gray body and sides ; reddish-brown crested head sharply set off from white throat dark. International waterfowl breeding population and habitat Survey conducted by the U.S tips to help you plan your next hunting.. Made available under a CC by license 22-27 '' ( 56-69 cm ) is found in estuaries, coastal,! Dives for prey like fish, aquatic insects and crustaceans usually lie smoothly rounded the.

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