Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) - Birds Around Me 0276

The Red‑breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) is a striking diving duck of the northern hemisphere, admired for its slender build, spiky crest, and vivid breeding plumage. Measuring about 51–62 cm in length with a wingspan of 66–74 cm, it is slightly smaller than the Common Merganser but more delicate in appearance.  

Female Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Iceland, July 2025

In breeding season, males are unmistakable: they display a dark green head with a shaggy crest, a white collar, and a reddish‑brown breast that gives the species its name. Their sides are mottled gray, and the long, thin, serrated orange bill is perfectly adapted for catching fish. Females and non‑breeding males are more subdued, with gray bodies, rusty heads, and the same spiky crest.  

Red‑breasted Mergansers breed across northern North America, Europe, and Asia, favoring freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal wetlands. Nests are usually hidden among vegetation near water, where females lay 6–12 eggs. After breeding, they migrate south to winter along coastal bays, estuaries, and sheltered seas, often forming small flocks.  

These birds are expert divers, plunging beneath the surface to chase fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Their serrated bills act like natural fishhooks, ensuring a firm grip on slippery prey. Agile and fast, they can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h in flight, making them among the fastest flying ducks.  

Though listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, Red‑breasted Mergansers are sensitive to water pollution and overfishing, which reduce their food supply. They are also vulnerable to disturbance in breeding areas.  

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Female Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Iceland, July 2025