American Merganser -

The (historically Mergus merganser americanus ) is the North American subspecies of the Common Merganser . It is a large, streamlined diving duck known for its specialized "saw-bill" designed to catch fish. Physical Identification

: Unlike typical ducks with flat bills, they possess a long, narrow, and serrated bill for gripping slippery prey. Diet and Foraging behavior

Mergansers are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have distinct appearances. american merganser

: Feature gleaming white bodies with dark, iridescent-green heads and a bright reddish-orange bill.

: Studies on captive birds suggest they may require roughly 9–11 ounces of fish daily to maintain body weight. The (historically Mergus merganser americanus ) is the

: They can stay submerged for up to 2 minutes, though most dives last less than 30 seconds in water typically shallower than 4 meters. Habitat and Range Feeding behavior of the Common Merganser in captivity

: Have gray bodies, white chests, and distinctive rusty-cinnamon heads with shaggy crests. : They can stay submerged for up to

Common Mergansers are primarily piscivorous, focusing on fish but occasionally consuming other aquatic life.