Mergus merganser ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
© Raymond Lee
A large diving duck with a long thin bill, the Common Merganser is found along large lakes and rivers across the northern hemisphere. The long bill has toothy projections along its edges that help the duck hold onto its slippery fish prey.
Silent except in courtship when male makes a hoarse croaking, a twanging sound, or a bell-like note. Female makes a harsh "gruk." Wings produce a rushing noise in flight.