Common Merganser

The common merganser (Mergus merganser) is a large, fish-eating duck found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Males have a striking appearance with a white body, dark green head, and red bill, while females have a gray body and a reddish-brown head with a shaggy crest. It measures 22 to 27 inches in length, with a wingspan of 31–37 inches. Adapted for diving, common mergansers have streamlined bodies, powerful legs set far back on their bodies for propulsion, and serrated, narrow bills that help them grasp slippery fish. Their diet primarily consists of fish, but they also eat aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. They nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes, but will also take advantage of artificial nest boxes. Ducklings leave the nest within a day of hatching, sometimes jumping from heights of over 50 feet to reach the water below. Common mergansers are strong fliers and migrate seasonally, wintering in ice-free lakes and coastal waters. Read more about common mergansers in this Fish Report!

Fun Fact: The name “merganser” comes from the latin words “immergere anserem” meaning plunging goose. If you squint hard enough you can see “merganser” in the middle!