Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Length 52-58cm

Superficially similar to goosander but smaller and both sexes with shaggy crest on back on head. Male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast; flanks grey and back black. Female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape except for pale throat, and greyish buff body plumage. Immature male resembles female. In flight, both sexes show white speculum broken by black line; male also has large patch of white on forewing. Nests in tree holes beside rivers in Scotland, N England and Ireland. In winter, widespread around sheltered coasts and estuaries of Britain and Ireland; seldom seen on freshwater at this time of year. Dives frequently for fish. Usually solitary but sometimes gathers in reasonable numbers if feeding conditions are good.