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 kurr, heard chiefly during flight. The 

 bird flies well and rapidly when once free from the 



