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" Welcome to the florafaunauk site , hope you enjoy the pictures and posts giving a detailed insight into the Natural History of our Country throughout the seasons and year "All that the Sun Shines on is beautiful, so long as it is Wild" John Muir "



Friday 29 January 2016

Goosanders

Facts
  • Goosanders are a Freshwater diving duck,
  • They are in a Family of Ducks called Sawbills because of their narrow bills with saw-like 'teeth' which are good for gripping fish.
  • Goosanders are excellent at fishing, but their diet, which includes Salmon and Trout, and the ecosystem and water quality of Cromwell Bottom is conducive to this relationship
  • The male Goosander has a dark green head, a black back and a long, red bill with a hook at the tip. The white sides and breast sometimes have a pink glow.
  • The female is grey with a gingery or rufous brown head and a white throat.
  • Males may not be seen in Summer as it is known that the this species has a unique migratory behaviour where it will leave for the FFjords of Norway in Summer to Moult returning in Nov Dec Females remain in this country with a few solitary males to moult
Goosannder 27006


  • Goosanders Mergus merganser is also known as Common Merganser Mergus merganser
  • They have an estimated life Span of 7 years
  • Common Mergansers typically nest in tree cavities wet woodland areas and around large crack willows close to water
  • Goosanders are mainly a River Duck and is similar to the Red breasted merganiser which tends to shallower waters of coastal nature Eg estuarines etc