Common Merganser (female)

Description:

Females are similar to the female Red-breasted Merganser except that the Common (female) has more reddish head with a longer, neater brush of feathers in the back of head. Dark eyes and the bill is little bit thicker, straight and has small hook at the end. Grey back, chest and flanks and white belly. There is also a more defined white chin. Feet are bright orange. Sometimes the neck may look like it has a white collar between the red and grey. Body looks longer and sleeker in the water.

Habitat:

They winter in lakes, rivers, coastal waters and estuaries.

Notes:

While at Miller/Knox Park looking for Eurasion Wigeon I stumbled upon this female out of the water. Didn't see any male nearby. I did see the Red-breasted Mergansers not far.