Goosander

Goosanders, also called common mergansers, occupy both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. They use clear lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, coasts, and brackish waters, often near forests or mountains. They are the largest mergansers and among the largest inland ducks. Males have dark greenish-black heads, black backs, white bodies, serrated red bills, and red feet. Females differ markedly in coloration, while males are slightly larger on average. Both sexes are powerful swimmers and divers (Animal Diversity Web).

These diving ducks feed principally on slow-moving small fish, using their narrow, serrated bills to grip slippery prey. Clear water is important because they hunt mainly by sight. When fish become scarce, especially in spring, aquatic insects, frogs, and snails supplement the diet. Goosanders form monogamous pairs lasting at least one breeding season. Pair formation occurs in late winter, when males circle females with stretched necks and raised head feathers as part of their courtship display (Animal Diversity Web).