﻿176 ANATID.E. 



Pomerania, Holland, France, and Switzerland : in the 

 latter, however, it only appears occasionally. 



Of all the Mergansers the present species is the most fre- 

 quently seen in our climates, and consequently found in all 

 states of plumage. 



The autumnal migration generally takes place in Novem- 

 ber, and the spring migration either in February or March, 

 according to the state of the weather. 



The locality frequented by this bird is the sea-coast 5 and 

 the mouths of rivers ; and being rather partial to fresh water, 

 it enters the rivers, particularly those that run with a strong 

 current. Under all circumstances, the Goosander prefers 

 clear to muddy water, which may probably be owing to the 

 greater ease it finds in obtaining its food. 



The size and plumage of the Goosander distinguish it very 

 easily from most other water-birds, and its bulk is very con- 

 spicuous when on the wing. 



Its motions on the ground are rather ungainly, owing to its 

 waddling gait ; it is nevertheless enabled to run very fast, if 

 necessary. 



Swimming and diving are its most natural occupations, and 

 it performs them with ease and grace. When the Goosander 

 dives in open water, it reappears generally from fifty to sixty 

 yards from the spot of its disappearance ; but in spots where 

 there is only a small opening in the ice, it repeatedly comes 

 up in the same place. The bird is said to remain frequently 

 under water for two minutes, and has been seen to walk about 

 at the bottom in pursuit of food. 



The flight of this species is easy and rapid, cutting the air 

 with its pointed beak and long neck. 



The senses of sight, hearing, and scent, being very sharp 

 in the Goosander, the bird observes all around it, and is con- 

 sequently enabled to avoid danger, and it is only during the 



