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Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
| Scientific Classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Anseriformes |
| Family: | Anatidae |
| Species: | Mergus merganser |
| Common: | Common merganser |
The common merganser is a large duck found in Europe, northern and central Asia, and North America.
Identification
Adult Males
Adult males in breeding plumage have a white body, black head, rump and tail gray, the wings white on the inner half, black on the outer half. The head has a crest that normally lies flat. The bill and legs are red. Males in 'eclipse' (non-breeding plumage, July to October) are similar to females.
Adult Females
Adult females have a gray body with a reddish-brown head, white chin, and white secondary feathers on the wing. Like the male, the bill and legs are red but duller. Females also have a crest that normally lies flat.
Immature
Juveniles are similar to adult females.
Gallery
Male
Ellensburg, Washington (2010)
Female
Ellensburg, Washington (2010)
Female
Groveland, California (2010)
Female
Groveland, California (2009)
Related Page Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)Class: Aves (birds)Order: Anseriformes (waterfowl)Family: Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans)Common merganser (Mergus merganser)