February 08, 2006
Wednesday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Common merganser male ducks hangin' out. The male is boldly patterned with white sides, black back, and green head. Females are a dull gray with reddish head and white chin.

According to All About Birds, a web site provided by Cornell University, these fellows are usually silent except in courtship when the male makes a hoarse croaking, a twanging sound, or a bell-like note. Female makes a harsh "gruk". Wings produce a rushing noise in flight.

Other names: Grand Harle, Mergo mayor (French); Goosander (English).

On the Web:

All About Birds
http://www.birds.cornell.edu

 

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Ketchikan, Alaska