Goosander
Mergus merganser
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Ullswater
Season
Year-round. Breeding on rivers. Winter on lakes.
Best time of day
Morning. Diving on lakes and rivers.
Lake District
Ullswater. Windermere. The Derwent. That red head. Sawbill. They dive. Fish eaters. Common.
UK population
Around 3,800 pairs. Winter visitors from north.
Overview
Goosanders are sawbills. That red head. Ullswater. Windermere. They dive for fish. Rivers in summer. Lakes in winter. Common. Easy to see.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Lakes · Rivers · Reservoirs |
| Diet | Fish. Dives to catch. |
| UK population | Around 3,800 pairs. Winter visitors from north. |
| Lake District | Ullswater. Windermere. The Derwent. That red head. Sawbill. They dive. Fish eaters. Common. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Ullswater, Windermere, the Derwent. Rivers in summer. Lakes in winter. That sawbill. Diving duck.
Identification
Large diving duck. Male white with red head. Female grey with chestnut head. Sawbill. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Lakes and rivers. Ullswater. They dive. That red head. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.