Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

Common Mergansers are a common migrant in South Dakota, and a common winter resident along larger river systems in the state.  An expert diving fish-eater, they often forage in small groups, although large flocks may form in winter below large Missouri River reservoirs in the state.  The species is also found in Europe, where it is called a "Goosander".

Habitat: Strongly prefers freshwater, where it can be found on a variety of open water habitats. 

Diet: Mostly fish.  Also crustaceans, amphibians, aquatic insects, and occasionally aquatic plants. 

Behavior: Forages by diving below the water's surface and swimming underwater, propelled by its feet.  They can sometimes be seen swimming on the surface, peering underwater with their heads partially submerged, and then diving after prey underwater when it is spotted.

Nesting: Rare breeder in South Dakota

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song:  Common Merganser Call

Migration: Summers in Canada and extreme northern U.S., winters throughout much of the United States interior, and sometimes on protected bays along coastlines.

Similar Species: Red-Breasted Merganser

Conservation Status: Numbers appear to be stable throughout most of their North American range.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Common Merganser

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Common Merganser"

3) eNnature.com: Common Merganser

4) Whatbird.com: Common Merganser

Photo Information: March 20th, 2005 -- Wall Lake in western Minnehaha County -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Common Merganser photos.