Common Mergansers Mergus merganser Use Wings to Pursue a Fish Underwater

Authors

Anthony B. Lapsansky, Department of Zoology, University of British ColumbiaFollow
Robert H. Armstrong

Abstract

Common Mergansers Mergus merganser dive into lakes, rivers, and coastal waters to feed on fish and other aquatic prey. This species and others in the genus Mergus are traditionally classified as foot-propelled divers. When submerged, mergansers are expected to swim by kicking their feet, holding their wings close to their bodies. Here, we report, with video evidence, an event in which four mergansers used their wings underwater to chase down and capture a large fish. Documentation of wing use by this classically defined “foot-propelled diver” illustrates the gaps in our understanding of avian diving physiology, hydrodynamics, and behavior.

DOI

http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.50.2.1475

Creative Commons License

Terms of use for work posted in Scholar Commons.

Recommended Citation

Lapsansky, Anthony B. and Armstrong, Robert H. (2022) "Common Mergansers Mergus merganser Use Wings to Pursue a Fish Underwater," Marine Ornithology: Vol. 50 : Iss. 2 , Article 5.
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.50.2.1475
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/marine_ornithology/vol50/iss2/5