Birdwatching - 3216🐦

🦉 The common merganser (North American) or goosander (Mergus merganser)

• Mergus (Greek) unidentified waterfowl mentioned in the texts of Pliny, Horace, and other ancient Roman authors
• merganser Greek: Mergus-Waterfowl, Anser-Goose

We're all used to seeing mallards swimming quietly and peacefully and feeding on plant food in city parks and rivers. But this duck is a completely different animal!
While common ducks filter water, collecting small crustaceans and algae, the merganser prefers live prey. Evolution has changed its appearance: its bill has become longer, thinner, and curved downward. Along its edges are stiff, serrated projections that act like teeth to help it grip slippery fish.

A fish caught in such a grip can no longer escape: the "teeth" are directed inward and securely hold the victim.
This duck is a natural-born underwater predator. When spotting fish, it dips its head into the water and dives instantly. To achieve this, it has powerful feet with wide flippers and dense, water-resistant plumage. Underwater, it moves smoothly and quickly, like a torpedo, using its wings and feet for maneuvers.