Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Síolta rua

The Red-breasted Merganser is a widespread resident in Irish inshore coastal waters and larger lakes. Mergansers have particularly streamlined bodies, enabling swift movement underwater. The male is beautifully marked black, white and greyish. The female is greyish brown with red-brown head. Both sexes have very thin red bills. In the air Mergansers fly swiftly and show large white wing patches rather like those of the Goldeneye.

Information extracted from the Appletree Press title
Appletree Deluxe Editions: Ireland's Flora & Fauna - Birds
by Gordon D'Arcy.