Quick facts

Length51–62 cm
Weight800–1350 g
Wingspan70–86 cm
Eggs7–12 eggs
Incubation29–35 days
Fledging60–70 days
MigrationPartialMigratory
Breeding seasonMay–July
Common in IcelandYes
Breeds in IcelandYes
Best timeYear-round

About Red-breasted Merganser

The red-breasted merganser is a slender fish-eating duck that breeds around lakes, rivers and coasts in Iceland. Both sexes have a conspicuous shaggy crest.

It dives for fish and is an agile swimmer. Red-breasted mergansers occur in both freshwater and marine habitats and breed regularly in Iceland.

Habitat

Lakes, rivers, fjords and coastal waters

Diet

Small fish, crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates.

Nesting habitat

Vegetation and cavities near rivers, lakes and coasts.
SourceLast verified: 08/09/2026