Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Drpepper on March 17, 2016, 04:46:48 PM

Title: Common Merganser?
Post by: Drpepper on March 17, 2016, 04:46:48 PM

I was at Osprey Marsh in Mississauga today and saw these two birds. I think it is a male and female merganser, but have no experience with them, so not sure. Plus neither picture is great. Thoughts?

Title: Re: Common Merganser?
Post by: thouc on March 17, 2016, 06:39:06 PM

Yes, you are correct.

/Thomas

Title: Re: Common Merganser?
Post by: Reuven_M on March 17, 2016, 07:27:52 PM

Actually, the second is a Red-breasted Merganser. Note the thin bill and the messy borders between the head, chin and breast (these will be clear cut in Common females). Based on the dark colouration around the eye, I think it's actually a young male.

Title: Re: Common Merganser?
Post by: Reuven_M on March 17, 2016, 07:29:35 PM

Also, if you're in that area, take a drive up Eighth line just north of Britannia. There have been lots of ducks, geese and gulls of various species hanging out in the flooded fields here.

Title: Re: Common Merganser?
Post by: thouc on March 17, 2016, 09:39:05 PM

Quote from: "Reuven_M"

Actually, the second is a Red-breasted Merganser. Note the thin bill and the messy borders between the head, chin and breast (these will be clear cut in Common females). Based on the dark colouration around the eye, I think it's actually a young male.

Well spotted, I didn't look closely enough at the second picture. Unusual to see Red-breasted Merganser inland.