Red-breasted merganse

Comes to coastal coves in winter.

Scientific name	Mergus serrator
English name	Red-breasted merganse
Japanese name	海秋沙
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Anseriformes Anatidae
Full length	50-65cm
Distribution	Widely distributed in northern hemisphere. In Japan, it can be seen along the coast in winter.

Characteristics

A waterfowl characterized by the bright colors and crest feathers of males. Both males and females have a white neck, a brown chest, and a grey-brown body below the neck. The next row wind cut is white. The beak is orange, slightly elongated and finely jagged. The iris is red.

The male has a dark green head and the female has a brown head.

The difference between Umiaisa and Kawaaisa

A clear difference from the common merganser is the color of the iris and the crest feathers. Compared to the common cormorant, the clear border between the white and brown plumage on the chest is also a point of identification.

Ecology

Found in coastal coves in winter. They often move in groups. Catch and eat fish.

Habitat

This photo was taken in the sea from Nagai to Arasaki on the Miura Peninsula. I encountered two wigeons mixed with a flock of wigeons and a flock of about 20 swimming near the Arasaki coast. They were troubled because the seagulls seemed to be taunting them. It seemed to be led by a male.