Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
UK Amber ListModerate📍 Bassenthwaite
Season
Year-round. More in winter. Coastal and lakes.
Best time of day
Morning. Diving.
Lake District
Bassenthwaite. Ullswater. Winter. That shaggy crest. Red-breasted. Different to goosander. Less common.
UK population
Around 2,300 pairs. Winter visitors.
Overview
Red-breasted mergansers have a shaggy crest. Bassenthwaite. Ullswater. Winter. Sawbill. Different to goosander. Red breast. Less common than goosander.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Lakes · Reservoirs · Coast |
| Diet | Fish. Dives to catch. |
| UK population | Around 2,300 pairs. Winter visitors. |
| Lake District | Bassenthwaite. Ullswater. Winter. That shaggy crest. Red-breasted. Different to goosander. Less common. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Windermere. Winter. That shaggy crest. Sawbill.
Identification
Sawbill. Shaggy crest. Red breast. Male has green head. Female grey. Different to goosander.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Winter. Bassenthwaite. Ullswater. That shaggy crest. Less common than goosander.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
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.