Goosander

Mergus merganser

These handsome diving ducks are a member of the sawbill family, so called because of their long, serrated bills, used for catching fish.

A largely freshwater bird, the goosander first bred in the UK in 1871. It built up numbers in Scotland and then since 1970 it has spread across N England into wales, reaching SW England. Its love of salmon and trout has brought it into conflict with fishermen. It is gregarious, forming into flocks of several thousand in some parts of Europe.

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discover more about gooseander

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen year round, during the summer, the north of Scotland will hold breeding pairs in rivers, during the winter, you can see them in lochs and small estuaries.

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Where to see

Gooseanders can be seen on rivers, lochs, calm coastal waters.

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Did you know?

They nest in holes in trees along the riverbank. They can be confused with Red Breasted Mergansers.

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Related species

Red Breasted Merganser

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen year round, during the summer, the north of Scotland will hold breeding pairs in rivers, during the winter, you can see them in lochs and small estuaries.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Gooseanders can be seen on rivers, lochs, calm coastal waters.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They nest in holes in trees along the riverbank. They can be confused with Red Breasted Mergansers.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Red Breasted Merganser

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen year round, during the summer, the north of Scotland will hold breeding pairs in rivers, during the winter, you can see them in lochs and small estuaries.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Gooseanders can be seen on rivers, lochs, calm coastal waters.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They nest in holes in trees along the riverbank. They can be confused with Red Breasted Mergansers.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Red Breasted Merganser