The red-breasted merganser is a type of diving duck found across northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. As their name suggests, these ducks have a distinctive red breast and are skilled at diving underwater to catch small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Red-breasted mergansers are migratory birds and have been clocked at speeds up to 80 mph during flight. However, their average cruising flight speed is estimated to be closer to 40-60 mph.
Overview of the Red-Breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) is a medium-sized duck species in the Merginae family. They are sometimes grouped together with the common merganser and hooded merganser under the genus name Mergus. Red-breasted mergansers have a slender, crested head and long, serrated bill that gives them their scientific name serrator meaning “sawyer”.
Their breeding habitat stretches across northern regions of Europe and Asia, and in North America they nest across Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern United States. During the winter months, they migrate southward and can be found along coastlines from the Pacific Northwest down to Mexico.
Male red-breasted mergansers have a shiny green head, white neck collar, rusty red breast, grey back, and black and white checkered sides. Females have a reddish-brown head and grayish body. Both males and females have orange legs and feet. Their narrow bodies and long tails make these diving ducks extremely hydrodynamic underwater.
Diving and Swimming Abilities
Red-breasted mergansers specialize in diving down and catching small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Their streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and powerful legs allow them to efficiently propel themselves underwater to hunt for food. They use their slender serrated bills to grasp and hold onto slippery fish.
During the breeding season, red-breasted mergansers spend most of their time on freshwater ponds, rivers, and lakes. The rest of the year they inhabit coastal marine areas. They typically forage in water less than 25 feet deep but can reach depths of 60 feet when diving.
Researchers have clocked red-breasted mergansers swimming underwater at speeds of 7-8 mph. They are able to swim so fast thanks to the streamlining effect of their crest which lies flat against the head during dives. Additionally, bubbles released from their feathers during dives provide an additional layer of insulation and reduce drag.
Their legs are positioned far back on their bodies, which allows for more powerful and efficient foot propulsion underwater. Strong thrusts from their webbed feet allow red-breasted mergansers to accelerate rapidly on dives to catch fast-moving fish.
Flight Speed and Migration
Red-breasted mergansers are migratory birds that undertake some impressive long-distance flights each year. During spring and fall migrations, they fly non-stop for hundreds of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Mergansers fly with their necks stretched out straight ahead to be aerodynamic in the air. They frequently migrate together in large flocks which adds the advantage of drafting. By flying closely together, trailing birds can save energy by riding in the updraft of birds ahead.
Research studies conducted with bird radar technology and observations have found red-breasted mergansers to reach flight speeds over 60 mph during migration. However, their average migratory flight speed is estimated to be in the range of 40-55 mph.
Here are some specific flight speed measurements that have been recorded for red-breasted mergansers:
- Cruising flight speed of migrating flocks is typically 48-55 mph.
- Maximum recorded airspeed is 69 mph.
- Average solo flight speed is 40-50 mph.
- With a strong tailwind, airspeeds up to 80 mph are possible.
Their flight abilities allow red-breasted mergansers to complete impressive non-stop migrations over the ocean and across continents. However, it requires huge amounts of energy. Mergansers must build up fat reserves prior to long flights and lose significant body weight while in transit.
Wing Design and Aerodynamics
The wings of red-breasted mergansers are adapted in several ways that improve their flight efficiency and speed:
- Long narrow wings reduce drag and allow smooth gliding.
- Stiff feather shafts and small surface area minimize drag while flapping.
- Wing shape provides good lift at faster airspeeds.
- Coverts over bases of flight feathers streamline airflow over the wing.
The ratio of body weight to total wing area, known as wing loading, is a key factor influencing flight capabilities of birds. Red-breasted mergansers have a relatively high wing loading of 6.3 oz/sq ft compared to many ducks. This indicates their wings generate more lift per unit area, allowing them to fly faster once airborne.
Specialized feathers also aid the aerodynamic performance. The feather vanes are firm which prevents airflow separation at higher speeds. Additionally, small feathers cover the bases of the larger flight feathers which help smooth airflow over the surface.
Wing shape is also important for flight speed and maneuverability. Long, pointed wings like those of mergansers are efficient for cruising flight. Their narrow wingtips generate less induced drag compared to rounded, wide wingtips.
Thrust and Power
In order to attain high airspeeds, birds need sufficient thrust and power output. For red-breasted mergansers, propulsion for flight comes from flapping their wings.
Several adaptations allow red-breasted mergansers to generate enough thrust to reach fast airspeeds:
- Large pectoral muscles to power wing beats
- Stiff primary wing feathers improve flapping efficiency
- Lightweight, streamlined body reduces drag
Mergansers also utilize a bounding flight technique. Periods of flapping are interspersed by bounds with wings folded against the body. Bounding lets them rest their flight muscles and conserve energy on long migratory journeys.
The power required for flight increases proportional to the cube of airspeed. Therefore, it takes 8 times more power to fly at 60 mph versus 30 mph. The muscles and cardiovascular system of red-breasted mergansers are adapted to meet these intense power requirements for fast flight.
Takeoff and Landing
While mergansers are capable of swift flight, takeoff and landing present greater challenges for these diving ducks. Their wings are optimized for cruising versus slow-speed flight. As a result, red-breasted mergansers require a long takeoff run across the water to become airborne.
They use strong thrusts of their feet on the water surface to accelerate up to flight speed and gain enough lift for takeoff. This run can be 100 feet or longer before becoming airborne. They face the same difficulty transitioning back from air to water and require a long landing area.
During takeoff and landing, red-breasted mergansers fly at speeds under 35 mph. This matches the slower speeds recorded for migrating flocks after long flights when they are nearing a stopover site. Slower airspeeds enable stable flight at heights under 100 feet which facilitates safe landings.
Speed in Relation to Other Birds
The typical cruising speed of red-breasted mergansers makes them one of the faster flying duck species. However, they are outmatched by many other types of birds that are adapted for speed and agility in the air.
Here’s how the flight speed of red-breasted mergansers compares to other birds:
Bird Type | Top Speed (mph) |
---|---|
Mallard duck | 45-55 |
Mourning dove | 55 |
Red-breasted merganser | 60-80 |
Osprey | 80 |
Canvasback duck | 90 |
Peregrine falcon | 200 |
Frigatebird | 95 |
Golden eagle | 120 |
White-throated needletail | 105 |
Birds like peregrine falcons and frigatebirds are built for maneuverability and achieving blazing fast speeds during flight. Their streamlined bodies and long, pointed wings optimize them to cut through the air with ease.
By comparison, red-breasted mergansers exhibit average flight speeds for a duck. They rank as one of the faster ducks, but many other waterfowl fly at similar speeds for migration. The evolutionary priorities of mergansers have been for diving and swimming as opposed to pure speed and agility in the air.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the flight speed of red-breasted mergansers has been measured to reach maximum airspeeds of around 80 mph, but averages 40-60 mph during migration and day-to-day flights. Their streamlined body shape and narrow, stiff wings make these diving ducks efficient at faster airspeeds.
While not the fastest flying bird by any means, red-breasted mergansers are admirably adapted for migrating long distances at brisk speeds. Their impressive non-stop migration flights are aided by their ability to cruise at 50+ mph over open water for many hours at a time.