Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

Scarce & local breeder with 2,200 pairs mostly in the North & North West.

Also breeds in Iceland, & North America.

 In winter some move to the Mediterranean, Northern Mexico & Central Europe.

Males have a dark head with a green sheen, a white neck with a rusty breast, a black back, and white underparts.

Females have a rusty head and a greyish-brown body.

Juveniles look similar to Females, but have a shorter crest, and marginally smaller white wing patches.

The call is a rasping prrak prrak & catlike meow in courtship.

The Female in flight makes a harsh gruk.