Red-breasted Merganser males

In migration, as I usually see them, they always strike me as high-spirited fowl, “having a ball”, diving, chasing, flying to a new fishing area, “necking” and having great fun. “Anthropomorphism” you may object, but just watch them and see for yourself.

Red-breasted Merganser (female)

Males differ from male Common Mergansers in their reddish crests, and with spotted, reddish upper breasts and generally darker overall appearance. Females lack the sharply marked off white chin of the female Common Merganser.

Red-breasted Merganser (male) photo: wikimedia