sawbills

Sawbills is a common name used for a group of diving ducks that belong to the merganser subfamily (Merginae) within the family Anatidae. The term "sawbill" refers to their distinctive long, narrow beaks, which are lined with serrated edges. These serrations are highly effective for grasping slippery prey, such as fish, which form the primary component of their diet.

There are several species commonly referred to as sawbills, with the most well-known being the common merganser (Mergus merganser), red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator), and hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). While all share the characteristic serrated beak, they differ in size, plumage, and geographical distribution. Common and red-breasted mergansers are found across the Northern Hemisphere, often inhabiting large lakes and rivers, while the hooded merganser is primarily found in North America, preferring wooded ponds and small lakes.

These ducks are skilled underwater hunters, capable of diving to considerable depths to pursue their prey. Their streamlined bodies and powerful webbed feet aid in their aquatic locomotion. During the breeding season, males of most sawbill species display striking plumage, often with colorful crests, which they use in courtship displays. Females typically have more subdued coloration, providing camouflage for nesting and raising young. Sawbills are an important part of freshwater and coastal ecosystems, playing a role in controlling fish populations.