Common Merganser




Common Merganser


Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)

Order:  Anseriformes
Family:  Anatidae



Common Merganser - Breeding Male
Photo © David Blevins

Common Merganser Information

Common Merganser
Habitat, diet, feeding behavior, nesting, migration, and conservation status of this bird. Includes range map, photos, and songs and calls. (From Audubon Field Guide)

Common Merganser
Description, range, habitat, songs and calls, identification tips, and behavior. Includes photos, illustration with field marks, and range map. (From WhatBird.com)

Photo of Female Common Merganser in Flight
By Mike Danzenbaker

 Calls of the Common Merganser


  Identification tips for the Common Merganser

Female Common Merganser with Ducklings

Female Common Merganser with Ducklings

By Stefan Berndtsson/USFWS


Breeding Bird Survey Map,
2011-2015

Common Merganser Breeding Map

(Image credit: USGS)


Range in New England

The Common Merganser is found year round in Maine, northern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, as well as some portions of both western Massachusetts and western Connecticut.

In the other areas of the New England region, this duck is seen only during the winter.

Range Map from eBird

Sightings of the Common Merganser throughout the year (1900-present)


Christmas Bird Count Map
Historical CBC Map from USGS