The common merganser (Mergus merganser) is a large duck species found across North America, Europe, and Asia. The male of the species is known as the drake, while the female is called the hen.
Common merganser drakes are striking waterfowl with their bold black and white plumage. They have iridescent green heads with a shaggy crest, bright red legs and feet, and a long serrated bill used for catching fish.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the common merganser drake. We will cover their identifying features, breeding habits, habitat, diet, population status and more. Keep reading to learn all about this fascinating duck!
Identifying Features of the Common Merganser Drake
The common merganser drake has a number of distinctive features that set it apart from the female hen and other duck species. Here are the key identifying characteristics:
- Green head – The head is iridescent green with a shaggy double crest at the back.
- White neck and breast – The neck, breast and undersides are white.
- Black back and wings – The back and wings are black.
- Red feet – Their legs and feet are bright red.
- Long serrated bill – The long thin bill has saw-like edges to help grip slippery fish.
- Size – Length ranges from 20-26 inches. Wingspan is around 33 inches.
The common merganser drake’s striking black and white plumage stands out clearly against the water when they are swimming and diving. The iridescent green head is very glossy in sunlight. Females have a brown head and gray body, and are noticeably smaller than the males.
Breeding and Nesting
Common mergansers breed in spring across northern areas. They do not reach sexual maturity until 2 years old. The drakes pursue hens in courting groups called sallys.
Once paired up, the hen selects a nest site close to water, often hidden in tree cavities, rock crevices or under dense vegetation. She lines the nest with down feathers plucked from her own breast.
The hen lays 6-17 cream or pale green eggs and incubates them for 28-35 days until hatching. The drake does not participate in incubating or rearing the young.
The downy chicks leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. The hen leads the brood to water where she cares for them until they fledge at around 70 days old. The drakes molt and are flightless for a period after breeding season.
Habitat
Common mergansers inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and coastal marine areas across their range. They nest in forested areas near water.
During the breeding season, they favor shallow waters and wetland areas where aquatic plants grow and fish and invertebrates are abundant. Places like marshes, beaver ponds and flooded wooded swamps are prime nesting spots.
In winter, they move to more open, ice-free waters. Estuaries, bays and shorelines offer the best habitat at this time of year. They often gather in groups and roost on islands or sheltered bays.
Geographic Range
The common merganser has a widespread distribution across these regions:
- North America – Throughout Canada, Alaska and the northern USA down into northern California and the northeastern states.
- Europe and Asia – Across Scandinavia, Russia, Mongolia, China, Korea and Japan.
- Introduced in New Zealand.
They migrate south to ice-free waters during winter months. Spring migration sees them returning north to their breeding grounds. Different populations follow well-established flyways between their wintering and summer habitats.
Diet
The common merganser is a piscivorous species, meaning fish make up the majority of its diet. They also eat aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic insects.
Their excellent diving abilities and serrated bills allow them to catch fast-moving fish underwater. They can dive to depths over 60 feet in search of food. Some of their common prey includes:
- Minnows
- Suckers
- Sticklebacks
- Salmon fry
- Eels
- Trout
- Shrimp
- Crabs
- Crayfish
- Frog tadpoles
Mergansers swallow most prey whole. They can consume over 1 pound of fish daily. Their slender bodies and high metabolism require them to eat frequently.
Threats and Conservation Status
Common merganser populations remain widespread and are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers fluctuated in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss.
Conservation measures were implemented across North America and Eurasia to protect vital wetland habitats and regulate hunting. This allowed populations to rebound to stable levels.
Ongoing threats include:
- Habitat degradation – Pollution, drainage of wetlands and shoreline development impacts nesting areas and food supplies.
- Disturbance – Recreational boating near breeding sites can displace nesting birds.
- Climate change – Rising temperatures may alter habitat suitability in parts of their range.
Sustainable management practices aimed at preserving wetland ecosystems will help ensure the long-term survival of common merganser populations. Responsible hunting quotas and enforcement of no-disturbance nesting buffers are also beneficial conservation actions.
Relationship with Humans
Common mergansers are hunted as game birds across most of their range. Their meat is edible, but not considered the most palatable. Historical overhunting led to population declines until protections were enacted.
Birdwatchers enjoy observing them in wetland habitats during seasonal migrations. Their handsome looks and fishing behaviors make them a favorite waterfowl species among birding enthusiasts.
They can come into conflict with human interests at times. Mergansers may eat trout and salmon stocked in lakes for recreational fishing. But in general, they do not cause extensive damage compared to some other waterfowl species.
Suitable habitat conservation and sustainable hunting practices allow common mergansers to thrive alongside human activities. Responsible management minimizes conflicts and maintains their populations.
Key Facts Summary
- Common mergansers are large, fish-eating ducks that inhabit freshwater lakes and coastal areas across the Northern Hemisphere.
- Males have a glossy green head, shaggy double crest, white breast and undersides, black back and wings, and bright red feet.
- Females are smaller with a reddish-brown head and gray body.
- They nest in forested wetland areas and the hens incubate the eggs and care for the young.
- Their diet consists mostly of fish like minnows, sticklebacks, trout and salmon fry.
- Merganser populations are stable and classified as Least Concern.
- Conservation efforts focus on wetland habitat preservation and sustainable hunting regulations.
The handsome common merganser drake is a fascinating waterfowl species perfectly adapted to pursue fish across northern lakes, rivers and coastlines. Their specialized hunting skills and dramatic breeding displays showcase the diversity of ducks. With sound conservation measures, mergansers will continue flourishing and providing enjoyment for bird lovers worldwide.
Conclusion
In summary, the common merganser drake is the male of this widespread fish-eating duck species. It has striking black-and-white plumage with an iridescent green head crest. Mergansers inhabit freshwater wetlands and marine coasts across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The drakes court females in breeding season but do not participate in rearing young. Mergansers dive underwater to catch fish, making up the bulk of their diet. They are classified as Least Concern, though still face threats like habitat loss and disturbance. Responsible conservation practices can maintain healthy merganser populations into the future.
The merganser drake’s handsome looks and fishing prowess make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Learning to identify and appreciate this duck helps underscore the importance of protecting vital wetland ecosystems for the benefit of both wildlife and people. The common merganser remains an essential part of its northern wilderness habitats.
