Red-breasted Merganser

🔍 Overview

A winter coastal duck, the Red-breasted Merganser is slim, shaggy-headed, and a fast swimmer along the Sussex shoreline. Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant along the coast.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (52–58 cm)
Plumage: Males have green head, red chest, white neck collar
Distinctive Marks: Thin red bill, punky crest
Bill: Long, serrated
Tail: Short
Flight: Low and fast

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Seen in Goring Gap, Widewater, Worthing Beaches during winter.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Mostly silent in winter. Dives frequently for food.

🍴 Diet

Fish, crustaceans.

📸 Birding Tip

Look in sheltered bays and estuaries—often diving rapidly or swimming in small groups.