Red-Breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Habitat
Aquatic
Diet
VertFishScav
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
1.0 kg
About This Species
This slim, shaggy-crested diving duck is usually found on coastal bays, estuaries, and larger lakes, diving repeatedly to chase small fish underwater. Breeding males show a dark green head and rufous breast band, while females and non-breeding birds are duller grey-brown; watch for groups cooperatively herding fish into the shallows. Winter along temperate coastlines is the easiest time to see concentrations, since birds disperse to breed on remote northern lakes and rivers in summer.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Viewing from shore or a boat at 30-50 metres with optics avoids forcing repeated dives or flight, which cost the birds energy they need for winter survival.
- As with most northern hemisphere waterfowl, hunting seasons and protected status vary by country and even by state or province, so check local regulations rather than assuming a blanket protection applies.
- Give a wider berth to any birds with ducklings, since family groups are especially vulnerable to separation caused by disturbance.
LCAvesAnseriformesAnatidae
Seasonal Activity
3,614,267 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
Traits
- Diet
- VertFishScav
- Foraging
- Aquatic
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 1.0 kg
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.