Red-breasted Merganser in Chicago

Jane, Poppy and I spotted this female Red-breasted Merganser at Jackson Harbor in Chicago today. A large diving duck with a long thin bill, the Red-breasted Merganser is found in large lakes, rivers and the ocean. It prefers salt water more than the other two species of merganser.

Female description: Rusty brown head with long, ragged, double crest. Dark or pale chin, gradually merging with chest color. Breast, back, wings, tail are slate gray. Belly and flanks are white. Bill is scarlet-orange. White patch in wing is visible in flight.

Photo: Jane Masterson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-breasted_Merganser