The Common Merganser Duck

The common merganser (North American) or goosander (Eurasian) (Mergus merganser) is a large duck, of rivers and lakes of forested areas of Europe, northern and central Asia, and North America. It eats fish and nests in holes in trees. John James Audubon called this bird the "Buff-breasted Merganser" in his book The Birds of America.

Common locally on deep clear lakes and rivers; uncommon on salt water. Nests in tree cavities and on the ground near large lakes. In winter forms small groups that may gather into large numbers at prime sites. Feeds on fish. Similar to Red-breasted merganser, but heavier and with thicker bill. Male mostly white. Female had darker brown head than Red-breasted, with sharply contrasting white chin and neck. Female's voice is similar to Red-breasted. Male in display gives faint twanging notes.