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.
Not certain it is a Common Merganser? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Merganser sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Common Merganser? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Common Merganser is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.