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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameMergus merganser FamilySwans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) OverviewThese 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. Where to see themUpland rivers of N England, Scotland and Wales in summer. In winter they move to lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs, occasionally to sheltered estuaries. When to see themAll year in breeding range, but only in winter across England south of the Humber. What they eatFish Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Male  Goosander female Similar birdsHelp the GoosanderThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
Loch Garten - Katie Fuller
Close-up of female goosander - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)