: Breeding status uncertain. Reported breeding in the 1970s on Jordan Pond, but all confirmed records of merganser hens with broods have been Common Mergansers. Breeding perhaps more likely, but as yet unconfirmed, on saltwater islands. Non-breeders: primarily on the .
: in small groups on salt water mid Oct-late Apr with from mid Sep and to early Jun. Peak late Oct-early Nov and again late Mar-mid Apr. on fresh water.
Miscellany: Unlike its cousin, the hole-nesting Common Merganser, Red-breasted Mergansers nest on the ground significantly broadening the range of possible nest sites to include anywhere with at least grassy cover not more than 100 feet from water, fresh or salt.
Last Updated: April 28th, 2022