Genus : Mergus 
THE GOOSANDER 
Mergus merganser^ Linnsus 
Mergus merganser, Linn., Syst. Nat., ed. x. i. p. 129 (1758). 
Merganser, Briss., Orn. vi., p. 231, pi, xxii. (1760). 
Merganser cinereus, Briss., torn, cit., p. 255, pi. xxv. (1760). 
Mergus merganser, Linn., Syst. Nat., ed. xii. i. p. 208 (1766). 
Mergus castor, Linn., torn, cit., p. 209 (1766). 
Mergus gulo, Scop. Ann. I. Hist. Nat, p. 69 (1768). 
Le Harle, Buff., Hist. Nat. Ois., viii. 267, pi. xxiii. (1781). 
Mergus rtibricapillus , Gmel., Syst. Nat., i. p. 545 (1788). 
Merganser rati, Leach, Syst. Cat. M. & B. Brit. Mus., 36 (1816). 
Mergus leucomelanus, Schrank, Faun. Boic, i. p. 238 (1798). 
Merganser castor (L.), Bp. Comp. List, p. 59 (1838). 
Mergus orientalis, Gould, P.Z.S., 1845, p. i. 
Local Names. — Goosander, Greater Saw-bill, Goose Sawyer, Sawyer, Saw-Goose, Jacksaw, Dun-diver 
(female) {English) ; ^ Siolta bheag {Gaelic) ; Hwyadwydd Gyffredin (common Duck-Goose), Hwyaden 
Ddan-heddog (Toothed Duck) ( Welsh)) Le Harle, Grand Harle {French) ; Mergo maggiore, Pescareu 
gros {Italian) ; Groote Zaagbek, Roseeward, Duikergans, Zaageend {Dutch) ; Ronac oras {Croatian) ; 
Morcak velky {Czech) ; Stor Skallesluger, Gulskraep, Gut Skallshinger Skjorand, Stor Hargasse, 
Bogeskrakke {Danish) ; Topandt {Fcerdese) ; Unkoskelo, Isokoskelo, Rokka, Voikoskelo {Finnish) ; 
Kussakoalsi {Lappish) ; Stor Fiskand, Fagergaas {Norwegian) \ Stor-skrake, Skrake, Halskrake, 
Halskraka (female) {Swedish) ; Tracz hohol {Polish) ; Ribic, Sarscica, Velika savscica {Slovenish) ; 
Trullo, Bech de serra gran {Spanish) ; Nagy buko {Hungarian) ; Krahal bolshoy {Russian). 
Egg.- — Pale creamy or yellowish-white, closely grained and smooth in texture ; they 
vary in number from 7 to 12 as a rule (F. C. R. Jourdain). Thirteen are recorded by 
N. Gilroy and O. Reiser, and 1 5 by H. J. Pearson ; whilst 36 have been found in one nest 
in Germany {Zeit.f. Oologie, 1900, p. 32). The late H. Hocke once found 19 eggs in 
one nest, and 25 to 30 or more eggs may be taken from one female if removed gradually 
(Hantzsch). 
In Scotland full clutches may be found as early as the end of April and early in May. 
The usual date being from April 20 to May 5. In Iceland the first half of June, and in 
Finland June, is the period of egg-laying. Average size of 100 eggs, 68.46 x 47. 18 mm. ; 
max., 74.5x47.5 and 70x49; min., 63x45 and 68x41 (F. C. R. Jourdain). Rey gives the 
average weight as 7.878 grms. ; while Goebel estimates the average of 41 eggs as 7.30 
grms. 
Down. — Light pearly grey, rather like that of the Sheld-Duck, but slightly smaller. The 
feathers of the latter are, however, unmistakable, as they are tipped with black or chest- 
nut ; whereas those of the Goosander are white (see figures Brit. Birds, ii. pi. ii. fig. 17 ; 
and Kirkman's Brit. Bird Book, vol. iv. pi. U). 
Young in Down. — Closely resembles the young of the Red-breasted Merganser, but 
^ A closely allied form in North America is known as the American Merganser, American Sheldrake, Pond Sheldrake, Saw-bill, 
Breakhorn, Fisherman, and Torrent Duck. 
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