Red Breasted Merganser

The Red-breasted Merganser is one of the more curious-looking aquatic birds you’ll come across in Galway. A species of duck, this bird is noted for its bright orange bill, green-black head and neck, and mixed brown, black, white and grey plumage. They are resident in Ireland all year round. Here in the city, they tend to stick to rocky shorelines during the winter, diving for their prey (primarily small fish). During the breeding season, they will move to freshwaters, nest beside small lakes or fast-flowing rivers (such as the Corrib) and feed on fish such as salmon, trout, and pike. They will sometimes nest along the coastline too or next to sea-loughs.