220 BRITISH’ SEA BIRDS: 
Merganser is more or less gregarious, and may be 
met with in flocks out at sea, or during rough 
weather sheltering nearer the land in lochs. Early 
in spring, and onwards through the summer, the 
Red-breasted Merganser lives closely in pairs, flying 
and feeding in company. I have noticed that this 
bird visits certain spots to feed very regularly, 
according to the state of the tide; almost to the 
minute I could depend upon certain pairs passing 
certain spots on their way to these feeding-grounds. 
I know of few prettier sights than the actions of a 
pair of Mergansers in some quiet, deep sea loch in 
early summer. The birds swim side by side close 
inshore below the rocks, first one diving, and then 
another, rarely, if ever, both descending at the 
same time when feeding; but when engaged in- 
courtship, the drake will pursue the duck, and 
splash about in the water in a most uproarious way, 
often diving after her in the eagerness of his chase. 
The bird swims well, if rather low in the water, 
and dives head foremost with a leap just like the 
Shag. The food of this species consists largely of 
fish, but crustaceans, crabs especially, and molluscs 
are also devoured. Most of this food is obtained 
whilst diving, each capture being brought to the 
surface to be swallowed, the bird drinking after 
doing so, and not unfrequently rising three parts 
out of the water and flapping its wings. The note 
is a guttural £7, heard chiefly during flight. The 
bird flies well and rapidly when once free from the 
