Wildlifeof China
Red-breasted Merganser
Ducks, Geese & Grebes
Photo: (c) Thomas Galewski, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Mergus serrator
Basic stats
Diet
Primarily small fish 10–15 cm long; also crustaceans, aquatic insects, worms, and amphibians
Habitat
Wetlands and open fresh, brackish, or salt water; tundra and boreal breeding areas, protected coasts, lakes, and rivers
Range
Holarctic; breeds across northern North America and Eurasia and winters mainly on coasts and large waterways
Clutch size
5–24 eggs; average 9.5
Incubation period
30–31 days
Size
51–64 cm
Wingspan
Not reported by ADW
Weight
800–1,350 g
The red-breasted merganser is a large diving duck distributed across much of the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds around northern lakes, rivers, wetlands, tundra, and boreal country, then shifts toward protected coasts and large inland waters during migration and winter. Its long, narrow bill has serrated edges that help it secure slippery prey. Adults measure 51–64 cm long and weigh 800–1,350 g, with males generally larger and more colorful than females. (Animal Diversity Web)
Small fish measuring roughly 10–15 cm form more than three quarters of its usual diet. Crustaceans and other aquatic animals, including insects, worms, and amphibians, supply the remainder. Birds commonly hunt in shallow, productive water but follow prey wherever it becomes abundant. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, although extra-pair mating occurs. Females normally perform incubation and subsequently care for the ducklings; ADW records clutches of 5–24 eggs, averaging 9.5, and incubation lasting 30–31 days. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Red-breasted Merganser eat?
- Primarily small fish 10–15 cm long; also crustaceans, aquatic insects, worms, and amphibians
- What habitat does the Red-breasted Merganser live in?
- Wetlands and open fresh, brackish, or salt water; tundra and boreal breeding areas, protected coasts, lakes, and rivers
- Where is the Red-breasted Merganser found?
- Holarctic; breeds across northern North America and Eurasia and winters mainly on coasts and large waterways
- How many eggs does the Red-breasted Merganser lay?
- 5–24 eggs; average 9.5
- How long are the eggs of the Red-breasted Merganser incubated?
- 30–31 days
- How big is the Red-breasted Merganser?
- 51–64 cm
- What is the wingspan of the Red-breasted Merganser?
- Not reported by ADW
- How much does the Red-breasted Merganser weigh?
- 800–1,350 g