Goosander

Name: Goosander

Scientific name: Mergus merganser

Category: Birds

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: A large duck, part of a group known as 'sawbills' after their long narrow bills with saw-like 'teeth' for gripping fish. A long, streamlined bird.

How to identify: A big white diving duck, the male has a dark green head, a black back and a long red bill. The white sides and breast sometimes have a pink glow. The female is grey with a brown head and a white throat.

Where: Breeds on rivers in the north and west of Britain, winters on lakes and reservoirs.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 70
• Agility: 30
• Rarity: 60
• Cute factor: 40
• Traveller: 80

Fantastic fact: Goosander nest in holes in trees along the riverbank.

Photograph credit: Photo credit tbc