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Aves - Neognathae - Anseriformes - Anatidae - Mergus - Mergus merganser

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)


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Species Description
The Common Merganser (also known as the Gulaund or Goosander) is a large fish-eating bird found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds along lakes and rivers within forests, and winters in large bodies of freshwater that do not freeze. Along with all other mergansers, the Common Merganser has serrated edges on its bill to help grasp fish; this is the source of the group’s other name, the Sawbills. While it normally eats fish caught during food-propelled shallow dives, the Common Merganser will also consume mussels, shrimp and small mammals, while the young often eat aquatic insects. After hatching, young Common Mergansers will be protected by their parents, but must feed for themselves.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

Left Humerus (Left Upper Arm Bone)
External Links
Animal Diversity Web
Encyclopedia of Life
Wikipedia Common Merganser Page

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