Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator), male
Red-breasted Merganser, Male

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

The Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator, is a distinctive duck with a slender, serrated red bill and a spiky crest. Males in breeding plumage exhibit a dark head with a green sheen, a white neck, a rusty breast, a black back, and white underparts. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with females sporting a rusty head and a greyish body, while juveniles resemble females but lack the white collar and have smaller white wing patches.

Identification Tips

Adult males are unmistakable with their contrasting colors and spiky crests. Females and non-breeding males can be confused with the similar Common Merganser, but the Red-breasted Merganser lacks the light chin patch of its relative and has less contrast between the head and breast.

Habitat

The Red-breasted Merganser breeds on freshwater lakes and rivers across northern regions. It is unique among its genus for its frequent use of saltwater during winter months.

Distribution

This species has a broad range across the Northern Hemisphere, migrating from northern breeding grounds to mostly coastal wintering areas.

Behaviour

Outside of breeding season, Red-breasted Mergansers form flocks, typically small but occasionally numbering up to 100 individuals. They are known for their rapid flight and are capable of diving and swimming underwater to pursue prey.

Song & Calls

The female's courtship call is a rasping "prrak prrak," while the male produces a catlike "meow." In flight, females emit a harsh "gruk." Generally, this species is quiet when not breeding.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in sheltered spots near water, with migration to coastal waters in the south during winter. Flock sizes vary, being smaller in spring migration compared to autumn and winter.

Similar Species

The Common Merganser is the most similar species, but differences in plumage and habitat preference can aid in distinguishing between the two.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of small fish, supplemented by aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans, and amphibians.

Conservation status

The Red-breasted Merganser is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is subject to the AEWA and is a game bird in North America, though it is not commonly hunted. Threats include habitat loss, exposure to toxins, and bycatch in fishing operations.

Red-breasted Merganser Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Red-breasted Merganser Fun Facts

Did you know?
The scientific name of the Red-breasted Merganser means 'serrated bill'.

Red-breasted Mergansers on Birda

Sightings

More Ducks, Geese, Swans

A photo of a Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) , male

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Amylia S
Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.