The Red-breasted Merganser
Red-breasted
Merganser Mergus serrator L 55, W 85. Breeds
fairly commonly in N Europe along coasts but
also beside larger clear inland waters and rivers,
particularly in upland regions. Nest is on the
ground, under bushes. Late breeder. In winter
almost exclusively coastal. The male is characteristic
(but moulting and immature males with brown
head like female are a common sight). Female
resembles female Goosander but distinguished
by darker, more brown-toned grey back, paler
brown head (cinnamon-brown rather than chestnut-brown),
thinner and more pointed crest (not thick and
drooping), less sharply contrasted pale chin,
more grey-spotted breast and above all much
less sharp division between brown neck and grey
body. The white speculum patch is divided by
a narrow dark stripe. Further, in flight appears
to have clearly more slender head. The male
displays with strange curtseying body movements.
The female gives 'prrak, prrak' calls in circle
flight over land. 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.
