The Goosander
Goosander
Mergus merganser L 64, W 95. More widespread
breeder than Red-breasted Merganser, fairly
common on clear waters, also on coast in far
north. Nests in tree holes and nestboxes. In
winter on open lakes and reservoirs. Male in
winter has splendid pinkish-buff underparts,
fading to white in Apr (the same applies to
female's belly). Female's distinguishing features
compared with rather similar female Red-breated
Merganser are: greyer back, darker, reddish-brown
on head, thick drooping nuchal crest, sharply
contrasted pale chin and sharp division between
brown neck and grey body. The white speculum
is not divided (or has barely a hint of a half-stripe-see
fig. left). Displaying males in winter utter
a murmuring frog-like 'oorrp, oorrp. . ' In
spring a related more penetrating, metallic
ringing 'drruu-drro' is heard. The female utters
a 'skrrak, skrrak . . .' in flight. Nests early.
Males fly to N Norway forwing moult. In autumn
gathers in N Europe in thousands at favoured
lakes, fishes collectively in driving cordons,
eagerly attended by gulls. RW
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
