red breasted merganser

1. Bird Name: Red-Breasted Merganser
Scientific Name: Mergus serrator

2. Appearance: The Red-Breasted Merganser is a robust bird with a distinctive ‘spikey’ crest at the back of its head. The male is recognizable with iridescent green feathers on its head, a sharp, pointed red bill, reddish-brown chest, and dark, almost black, back. Females and juveniles are typically grey-bodied with a chestnut head and a white neck band. The bill is typically orange or red with a hook at the end adapted for catching fish.

3. Size: The average length of the Red-Breasted Merganser is between 51-62 cm (20-24 inches). Their wingspan extends between 70-86 cm (27-34 inches), providing fast and efficient flight. The weight range of these birds is 700-1350g (25-48 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution: The Red-Breasted Merganser is found throughout North America, Northern Europe, and Asia—largely in colder regions. They prefer coastal waters, estuaries, and inland water bodies such as lakes and rivers—mainly in freshwater during the summer breeding season but moving to marine environments in winter.

5. Interesting Facts: Red-breasted mergansers are superb divers, capable of going to considerable depths to catch their prey. They can reduce their heart rate while diving, allowing them to stay underwater for up to 2 minutes at a time. They’re also one of the fastest flying ducks, capable of speeds up to 80 mph.

6. Diet: Predominantly piscivorous, the Red-Breasted Merganser consumes mostly fish but also eats aquatic invertebrates such as molluscs, crustaceans, and insects.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Despite being social birds, Red-breasted Mergansers are typically quiet. Any sounds they make are usually low croaks or purrs. They fly in wavy lines and “run” along the water during takeoff. The bird’s courtship display includes the male curving its neck, bobbing its head, and displaying the crest while emitting a low, purring call.

8. Conservation Status: The Red-Breasted Merganser is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population.

9. Lifespan: On average, these birds can live up to 9-11 years in the wild. Lifespan in captivity typically exceeds this due to lack of predators and plenty of food.

10. Additional Notes: The Red-Breasted Merganser is locally known as “sawbill” in the UK because of the serrated edges of its bill. They have a unique role in the ecosystem with their piscivorous diet which helps control populations of small fish and aquatic insects. In certain communities, they hold cultural value and are often depicted in local folklore and art.

Lastly, human interaction is limited due to their preference for solitariness, but public education programs aim to raise awareness of this fascinating and beautiful bird.