Common Merganser is the largest, and has the thickest bill of the three North American mergansers. Male: A rounded greenish-black head (looks black from a distance), with a red-orange bill distinguishes this species. The breast, sides, and secondaries are bright white, with the white underparts sometimes showing a pinkish cast. The back and primaries are black, and the tail is gray. Female: The dark rusty brown head shows a shaggy crest and a clearly demarcated white chin patch. Shows more obvious contrast between the whitish breast and darker rusty brown head than similar female Red-breasted Merganser. Breast, sides, wings, and tail are gray. Flying birds have thin head and neck profile, belly is white, shows a large white wing patch on the secondaries, larger on males. Young birds and males in basic plumage resemble female. Might be mistaken for a loon from a distance.

Length: 56 (cm) Wingspan: 79 (cm)

Voice:

Usually silent, except for a guttural croaking noise during courtship.

Habitat:

Nests in forests adjacent to lakes and rivers. Winters on large lakes, rivers, and bays. Prefers fresh water.

Behavior:

Flies with fast shallow wingbeats, holding head, belly, and feet in a straight line.

Feeding:

Dives for fish. Sometimes swims along water’s surface with head submerged, looking for prey.