Goosander
Mergus merganser
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Goosander is the larger of the two sawbill ducks likely to turn up on the Sefton Coast. The drake is one of the most handsome of all ducks — salmon-pink suffused white body, bottle-green head, red serrated bill. Less coastal than the Red-breasted Merganser, Goosanders are more likely to appear on freshwater at Marshside. They breed in Scottish rivers, nesting in riverside trees.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Freshwater lake · River · Coastal lagoon |
| Diet | Fish — pursues fish underwater in rivers and lakes |
| UK population | Around 4,000 breeding pairs; winter population supplemented by continental birds |
| Sefton Coast | Occasional winter visitor; less regular than Red-breasted Merganser on the coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB and any larger freshwater bodies near the Sefton Coast. Less coastal than Merganser.
Identification
Drake: bottle-green head, red serrated bill, pale pink-white body. Duck: grey body, chestnut-brown head with shaggy rear crest, white chin, red bill. Larger and bulkier than Merganser.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check larger freshwater bodies in winter. Any sawbill duck on freshwater is more likely to be Goosander; coastal estuaries favour Merganser.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Goosanders breed?
Goosanders breed mainly in Scotland and parts of northern England, nesting in holes in riverside trees. They prefer fast-flowing rivers where they can pursue fish. Winter visitors from Scandinavia supplement UK breeders, bringing birds to coastal sites including the Sefton Coast.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.