Red-Breasted Merganser

Red-Breasted Merganser

Red-Breasted Merganser Overview

The red-breasted merganser is a diving duck that lives in rivers, lakes as well as oceans. However, it prefers saltwater. It has a long and thin bill. Adult males have a dark head with a green shimmer to it, a white neck with a rusty-colored breast, a black back and white underparts. Adult females have a rusty-colored head and a grey body.

They dive to find food and feed on small fish, crustaceans, frogs and aquatic insects. It has been said that the red-breasted merganser is the fastest-flying bird in level flight, reaching speeds of 100 mph (161 km/h). However, this is disputed as the white-throated needletail is believed to be able to fly faster, at 105 mph (170 km/h).


Frequently Asked Questions

🌊 Where does the Red-Breasted Merganser live?

It inhabits freshwater and saltwater environments, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal ocean waters. Though rare in Hawaii, it may be seen during migration.

🦆 What does the Red-Breasted Merganser look like?

Males have a dark, greenish head, white neck, rusty breast, and black back. Females have a rusty head and gray body. Both have a long, thin, serrated bill.

Is it the fastest bird in level flight?

It’s claimed that the Red-Breasted Merganser can reach speeds of up to 100 mph (161 km/h), though this is disputed by records for the white-throated needletail, which may be even faster.

🍽️ What do Red-Breasted Mergansers eat?

They dive underwater to catch small fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and sometimes frogs, using their serrated bill for gripping slippery prey.

📏 How big is the Red-Breasted Merganser?

They measure about 21–24 inches (53–61 cm) in length with a wingspan of approximately 30 inches (76 cm).