These handsome diving ducks are a member of the sawbill family, so called because of their long, serrated bills, used for catching fish. A largely freshwater bird, the goosander first bred in the UK in 1871. It built up numbers in Scotland and then since 1970 it has spread across northern England into Wales, reaching south-west England. Its love of salmon and trout has brought it into conflict with fishermen. It is gregarious, forming into flocks of several thousand in some parts of Europe.
Key ID Features:
Larger than other sawbills.
Males winter plumage has sleek, green-black head without crest and a pinkish-white body and breast.
Thick-based reddish bill is hooked at the tip.
Overview
Scientific name: Mergus merganser
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Upland rivers of N England, Scotland and Wales in summer. In winter they move to lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs, occasionally to sheltered estuaries.
Seen in UK:
All year in breeding range, but only in winter across England south of the Humber.
What they eat
Fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Blagdon Lake, Somerset
Photographer: Tim Tapley
