The Red-breasted Merganser breeds across much of the temperate northern hemisphere and
winters in coastal fresh and salt water south of much of the breeding range.
Male: breeding plumage
Male: transition plumage
Female
The male has a red breast in his breeding plumage. The female is greyish with a red head,
much like the female Goosander.
In addition to diving well, the species holds the world record for fastest duck in flight (can fly at over 80 mph).
Their thin, serrated bills are designed to hold on to slippery fish.