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Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)

What does the Red-breasted Merganser eat?

Mergus serrator

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The Red-breasted Merganser's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily piscivorous)

How it forages

Primarily piscivorous, diving underwater to pursue and catch fish, often using their serrated bill to hold slippery prey. They also consume crustaceans, aquatic insects, and occasionally amphibians. Dives typically last 10-30 seconds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, actively feeding and moving during daylight hours.

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