7 Types of Mergansers You Should Know
Mergansers are a group of ducks in the subfamily Merginae, commonly known as “sawbill ducks” because of the serrated edges along their bills. These special bills help them catch and hold slippery prey like fish, making them expert divers. Most mergansers are found in freshwater lakes and rivers across North America, Europe, and Asia, though a few species inhabit South America. Their streamlined bodies, strong swimming abilities, and diving behavior make them well adapted to a fish-based diet.
Auckland Island Merganser
Mergansers: The Sawbill Ducks
Mergansers are a group of ducks in the subfamily Merginae, commonly known as “sawbill ducks” because of the serrated edges along their bills. These special bills help them catch and hold slippery prey like fish, making them expert divers. Most mergansers are found in freshwater lakes and rivers across North America, Europe, and Asia, though a few species inhabit South America. Their streamlined bodies, strong swimming abilities, and diving behavior make them well adapted to a fish-based diet.
The Smew (Mergellus albellus) is included in merganser lists even though it belongs to a separate genus, Mergellus. It shares key characteristics with true mergansers, including a serrated bill, diving habits, and a similar body shape. Its behavior and ecological niche make it a close relative, justifying its inclusion when discussing sawbill ducks.
Among mergansers, one species is notable for being extinct: the Auckland Island Merganser (Mergus australis). Native to New Zealand’s Auckland Islands, this dark-bodied duck with a red bill was last recorded in the 19th century. Its disappearance highlights the fragility of island waterfowl populations, particularly in the face of human impact and introduced predators.
An& loons…my cousin always confuse them for common mergansers.