Overview
The Common Merganser, frequently referred
to as goosander in Britain, is relatively large compared to
other mergansers. They are among the largest inland ducks in
North America. Common mergansers have rather long tapered
bodies. The male common merganser has a mostly white body with a
black back. The heads of the males are a very dark green almost
black color. On the other hand, the female and immature common
mergansers have gray bodies with red-brown heads. The feathers
on the heads of the females and immature birds extend outward
behind the head. Unlike coloration on some birds, common
mergansers have clean
lines between markings with no blending. Both the male and the
female common merganser are characterized by their bright
red-orange tapered-bills and orange feet. The edges of the bill
possess saw-like teeth which distinguishes common mergansers
from other ducks. For more information, check out the links at
the top of the page.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? contact me at bales.aman@students.uwlax.edu
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