Common Merganser

The Common Merganser is a sleek, fish-eating duck that can be found on Washington’s rivers, lakes, and sheltered bays throughout winter. Males are striking with glossy green heads and clean white bodies, while females are gray with reddish-brown crests. Their long, serrated bills are perfectly adapted for catching fish, setting them apart from other diving ducks.

Common Mergansers are managed under general duck regulations and offer a distinctive change of pace from sea duck hunts. Washington allows for the successful harvest of up to 7 mergansers per hunter, that is included with the seven-duck bag limit per day. They prefer freshwater or brackish environments and are often spotted along current seams and near river mouths. Though not typically targeted in large numbers, they add variety to Puget Sound hunts and make a beautiful mount thanks to their sleek profile and elegant markings.