Merganser
Merganser , noun
[Sp. mergánsar, from mergo a diver (Latin mergus, from mergere to dip, dive) + ánsar goose, Latin anser.]
(Zoology) Any bird of the genus Mergus (Merganser), and allied genera of the subfamily Merginae. They are allied to the ducks, but have a sharply serrated bill, eat fish, and dive for food. Also called fish duck.
The red-breasted merganser (Merganser serrator) inhabits both hemispheres. It is called also sawbill, harle, and sheldrake. The American merganser (Merganser Americanus.) and the hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) are well-known species.
Collocations (1)
White merganser , the smew or white nun.