The Common Merganser is a large, streamlined diving duck with a thin, serrated 'saw-bill' for gripping slippery fish. The male is strikingly handsome with a dark green head, white body, and pink tinge to the breast. Females nest in large tree cavities and lead ducklings on remarkable overland hikes to the nearest water after hatching.
Best time to see a Common Merganser
The best time to see a Common Merganser is January–May, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 47,668 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Common Merganser sightings near you
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