Ducks: Common Mergansers
Mergus merganser L 24–26 inches.
Large, slender-bodied, and elegant diving duck that swims with a
stately posture. Dives frequently for fish and invertebrates. In
flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white, except for narrow black
line; in female, white is restricted to trailing edge.
ADULT MALE Unmistakable,
with bright red-orange bill, glossy green head (looks dark in poor light), white
body, and black back. Close view reveals pink wash on white breast and underparts.
Eclipse male resembles adult female, although white wing pattern is
retained.
ADULT FEMALE Orange-red head and neck with shaggy crest and well
defined white throat. Body plumage is grayish, palest on breast. Note the reddish
orange bill.
JUVENILE Resembles adult female,
but with duller colors.
VOICE Male utters ringing
display calls. Otherwise silent.
STATUS AND HABITAT
Widespread and common. In summer, favors
wooded lakes and rivers; nests in tree holes. Outside
breeding season, moves south to ice-free
freshwater lakes across region; occasionally found
on coasts.
OBSERVATION TIPS Ice-bound lake
margins often concentrate birds in winter.
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