Widespread and fairly common on larger lakes and rivers in hilly areas, and other areas of open water. Very hardy. In winter can gather in large numbers where food is plentiful. Rarely near salt water. Like other mergansers (sawbills), has serrated bill for holding fish. ID: Largest merganser. Slim but muscular with bold, long red bill broadening onto head. Typically sits low in the water with head held down. Females, eclipse males (retain white coverts), and young birds all have rich chestnut head and well-defined white chin. Young males don’t develop grayer scapulars until following spring. Adult males appear white with a dark head at distance, but color pattern subtly beautiful close up.