Common Merganser
Learn to identify the Common Merganser by ear. Master the "cro-cro-cro / twaang" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Common Merganser sounds like
A female gives a sharp run of guttural karrr notes, with splashes audible around her. The clip does not contain the male’s softer display sounds.
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
Migratory in northern range; some populations remain year-round where water remains open.
Northern forested habitats near large lakes and rivers for breeding; large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in winter.
Most active during daylight hours, foraging in clear waters where they can spot prey.
How to recognize it by sight
Common Mergansers are streamlined ducks that float gracefully down small rivers or shallow shorelines. The males are striking with clean white bodies, dark green heads, and a slender, serrated red bill. The elegant gray-bodied females have rich, cinnamon heads with a short crest.