About This Species
The Common Merganser is a large, sleek diving duck often seen on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, especially in colder months. Males are striking, with a dark green head, bright white body, and sharp contrast throughout, while females show a warm cinnamon-colored head with a shaggy crest and gray body. Built for fishing, mergansers are powerful swimmers that move confidently through clear water in search of prey.
Fun Facts
- Fish specialists: Common Mergansers eat mostly fish, using their narrow, serrated bills to grip slippery prey.
- Built for speed: Their streamlined bodies and strong legs make them excellent underwater hunters.
- Cold-water lovers: They are often found on icy rivers and lakes when many other ducks have moved on.
- Tree nesters: Females nest in tree cavities, sometimes far from water, and lead ducklings to water shortly after hatching.
- Social feeders: They frequently fish in small groups, herding fish into shallow areas.
