AMERICAN MERGANSER 



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build and general contour of this loon-like duck should prevent confusion with 

 any but the Red-breasted Merganser. 

 Both species have pointed red bills 

 which are noticeable at a considerable 

 distance, but the male American lacks 

 the crest and the red chest of the Red- 

 breasted, and shows on the water as a 

 much whiter bird. The female, if close 

 enough, shows a much redder head and 

 more crest than the female Red- 

 breasted, but is sometimes difficult to 

 separate from that species. Mergan- 

 sers dive by making an upward and forward leap, frequently clearing the water 

 in their diving lunge; they also possess the power of gradually sinking from 

 sight like grebes. The male Golden-eye, which shows a corresponding amount 

 of white, is easily separated by its build, which is shorter, chunkier, rounder of 

 head and shorter of neck. 



IN FLIGHT. The male shows more white of body and wings than any 

 other duck; by this and by its loon-like flight, with its long, slender head and 

 neck outstretched and its rakish outline, it is easily identified. The style of 

 flight is swift, strong, and direct, in line formation, low over the water; in flight 



the bill, head, neck, and body are all 

 held perfectly horizontally. The male 

 Red-breasted Merganser is similar 

 but, in flight, does not show nearly 

 as much white of body or wings. 

 Lone females of the two species, 

 when on the wing can be separated 

 only when close enough to make 

 visible the sharp line of demarcation 

 between red and white on the neck 

 of the American species; this feature 

 is often noticeable at a surprising 

 distance. Males are sometimes mis- 

 taken for Mallard drakes. 



VOICE. A very silent bird, 



tittering an occasional hoarse croak if startled, karr-karr. Courtship voice of 

 male, a quickly repeated purring note, dorr-dorr or krr-krr. 



LIFE STORY 



The handsome American Merganser, largest of its tribe, is well 

 known throughout the continent of North America. It belongs to the 

 same genus as the Red-breasted Merganser but is a distinct species; two 

 other closely related varieties are found in the Old World. All mer- 

 gansers are commonly known as "saw-bills," "fish ducks," "goosanders" 

 or "sheldrakes," and this species is differentiated by being called "pond" 

 sheldrake because it shows a greater preference for fresh water than 

 does the Red-breasted Merganser and will remain inland in winter, 

 where open water can be found, long after the other species has sought 



