Photo: Sávio Freire Bruno / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Brazilian Merganser
Mergus octosetaceus
Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) — Ducks, Geese & Swans of South America.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is a member of the Anatidae family found in South America. Adults weigh 983 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Critically Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Anseriformes
- Family Anatidae Ducks, Geese, Swans
- Genus Mergus
- Species octosetaceus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 983 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Anatidae
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Brazilian Merganser hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of rivers and riverside habitats, it swims and feeds in and around water.
Migration
The Brazilian Merganser is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is a species of bird in the Anatidae family, part of the order Anseriformes. Its range spans South America. Its distribution covers SA sc Brazil, e Paraguay and ne Argentina.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 983 g, with a wing length of about 19.6 cm and a tail of around 8.1 cm.
It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 51,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Brazilian Merganser?
The Brazilian Merganser is a very large bird that weighs around 983 g.
Where does the Brazilian Merganser live?
The Brazilian Merganser is found across South America with a range covering SA sc Brazil, e Paraguay and ne Argentina, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Brazilian Merganser belong to?
The Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) belongs to the Anatidae family, in the order Anseriformes.
What does the Brazilian Merganser eat?
The Brazilian Merganser hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Brazilian Merganser migrate?
The Brazilian Merganser is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Brazilian Merganser endangered?
It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.
What sound does the Brazilian Merganser make?
1 real field recording of the Brazilian Merganser — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Brazilian Merganser's range?
The Brazilian Merganser has a mapped global range of about 51,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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