Common Merganser

Description:

Common Merganser is our largest merganser. Note the size in images 3 and 4 when they are out of the water. Dark uncrested head, white chest and sides. The female has a reddish-brown head and well-developed crest. Its flight is fast, usually low over the water. This mom and kids were preening on shore, spotted us (me and dog) sitting on a rock and the slowly plopped in the water to come see us. Very curious birds. When they were satisfied they turned and swam out into the water and in an instant they all dove under the water at the same time.

Habitat:

Common locally on deep, clear lakes and rivers; uncommon on salt water.