Merganser

MERGANSER S. Ornith. type of lamellirostral palmiped, it includes species which have a bill which is thinner and of a more cylindrical shape than that of ducks; with sharp teeth pointed backwards. In winter these birds live on our rivers and destroy a great quantity of fish; in summer, they move to the north of Europe. They nest on the shore, on grass and between stones; the female lays from 10 to 14 whitish eggs. The flesh of the merganser is dry, oily and not much sought-after. The common merganser or large merganser (mergus mergamer) is a little taller than a duck; its bill and its feet are red. The red-breasted merganser (mergus serrator, Linn.) is approximately 1.6 feet (55 cm) long, and weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). The male has the head and the upper part of the neck of a beautiful dark green color, the throat is of a reddish brown with black stripes, the sides are crossed with black stipes. The upper body of the female is of an ashen color, the lower body of a reddish white. This bird can be found all over Europe. Very timid, it is difficult to approach; its flight is fast and steady.
– The american merganser (mergus Americanus, Cassin) weighs up to 5.51 pounds (2.5 kg) and lives in North America.

Extract from the Trousset encyclopedia, 1886 – 1891.