Red-breasted Merganser

Presence in the Strait

Occasional. Nine records (13 birds): on 19.03.82 and 18.03.89 at Ceuta, three birds on 12.03.83 at the River Guadiaro estuary, on 17.12.88 at Gibraltar, on 25.12.95 at Punta Carnero (Algeciras), on 10.01.84 at Poniente Beach in La Línea, in January ‘96 at Rinconcillo Beach (Algeciras), two birds in the marshes of Barbate 15.12.05 and two birds in Algeciras Bay 22.12.10. Towards the end of the 19th Century it was more common and groups of over 30 birds could be seen in the Bay of Algeciras. Identifications: Slender, with a crest, narrow red bill and fast wing-beats in flight. In eclipse, the male is similar to the female but maintains wing pattern. Juveniles are similar to females but with a duller red bill. They breed the N of Europe and Iceland. Anatidae Negrón Común Negrón Especulado Porrón Osculado Serreta Mediana