Red-breasted Merganser -- South Dakota Birds

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

The Red-breasted Merganser is most often seen along coastlines of the U.S. in the winter, as they prefer to winter on salt-water (unlike the Common Merganser).   They sometimes hunt cooperatively, forming lines to drive small prey fish into shallow water.  They are among the fastest of all flying waterfowl, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.

Habitat: During breeding season, they are found around lakes and rivers in the forests of Northern North America, northward into the tundra.  During winter, they are primarily found on coastal waters, with smaller numbers on inland waters if they are ice-free.

Diet: Feeds primarily on small fish.  Will also take crustaceans, aquatic insects, frogs, and tadpoles.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: Generally silent, although the courting male will make cat-like calls.

Migrations: Summers throughout Alaska, much of Canada, the Great Lakes region, and New England.  Winters along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, with much smaller numbers over-wintering on the Great Lakes and other inland water bodies.

Similar Species: Common Merganser

Status: Generally stable throughout its range.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Red-breasted Merganser

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

3) E-nature.com: Red-breasted Merganser

Photo Information: Photo by Richard Ettlinger.

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08