Mergus merganser americanus

(Molina, 1782)

Vernacular names
English : Goosander
French : Grand Harle

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 72 cm in length for a weight of 2.1 kg. Long and thin red bill. Male has white plumage, black back and dark iridescent grey head. Female is grey with white belly and brown head. Subspecies has a bigger bill base.

Range and habitat
This subspecies breeds from Alaska to north California, east to Pennsylvania, winters in central USA. Species also breeds in northern Europe and Asia. Lives in clear freshwater lakes and upper rivers with trees, up to 3000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is known to be stable and numerous. North American population suffers locally from pollution and poisoning of preys, and loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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