Goosander
Species Information
Vladimir Mijailović [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Statistics
Scientific name: Mergus merganser
Length:Â 57-69cm
Wingspan:Â 90cm
Weight:Â 1.3-1.7kg
Average lifespan:Â 7 yearsÂ
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015)
When to see
January to December
About
These diving ducks are a member of the sawbill family, known as such because of their long, narrow bills with saw-like ‘teeth’ which are good for gripping fish. A long, streamlined bird, it is perfectly shaped for swimming after fish and prefers salmon and trout. Also known as common mergansers, the goosander is a gregarious birds, which forms flocks with thousands of individuals in some parts of Europe.
How to identify
Goosander are largely freshwater bird. They are white, with dark green heads, black backs and long, red, hooked bills. The white sides and breast sometimes have a pink glow. Females are grey, with a gingery or reddish-brown head and a white throat.
Did you know ?
Goosanders first bred in in Scotland in 1871 before the rest of the UK. They now reside as far south as South Wales. They nest in holes in trees along riverbanks.
How you can help?Â
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.