Scaly-sided Merganser
Mergus squamatus
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About
A medium-large merganser (~1.1 kg) in family Anatidae, distinguished by scaly flank patterning and a shaggy crest. Breeds along fast, clear rivers in old-growth forests of far eastern Russia and China; winters in rivers of East and Southeast Asia. Feeds on fish. Endangered due to deforestation, river pollution, and human disturbance of nesting sites.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 51.2 cm | 20.2 in |
| Weight | 1145.8 g | 40.42 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male has iridescent dark green head with long flat crest, white body with distinctive black scaly pattern on flanks, and black back with white patches. Female has brownish-red crested head and grey body with similar scaly flank pattern.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in southern Russia, northern China, and the Russian Far East. Winters in southern China and Korea. Found on fast-flowing forested rivers.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for fish in fast-flowing East Asian rivers. Endangered; highly piscivorous with serrated bill adapted for catching slippery fish.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV,O. Incubation: 31-35 days. Fledging: 56 days.
Clutch Size
4-14
Sound
Song
Male gives a quiet, low grunting call; female produces a guttural, croaking series. Endangered; calls are poorly known; similar to Red-breasted Merganser but quieter in Manchurian forest rivers.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | Mergus squamatus |
Distribution
Scaly-sided Merganser has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Scaly-sided Merganser eat?
Where does the Scaly-sided Merganser live?
Is the Scaly-sided Merganser endangered?
How does the Scaly-sided Merganser nest?
What does the Scaly-sided Merganser sound like?
How big is the Scaly-sided Merganser?
What order and family does the Scaly-sided Merganser belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family