Question:

Is a merganser a duck? If so, what distinguishes a duck from other waterfowl?

-Aaron Sutherlin-

Answer:

Hello Aaron,

This is probably a question that many waterfowlers have asked themselves a time or two. A quick answer to this question is, “Yes, mergansers are ducks.” The most likely reason for mergansers having a separate limit from other ducks, is they are a bird not often pursued by hunters...most likely as a result of being considered undesirable table fare.

In a broad sense, the term waterfowl mainly refers to ducks, geese and swans. In a classification scheme, collectively they are grouped into the Family Anatidae (swans, geese and ducks). Further divided, swans and geese fall into the Subfamily Anserinae, while ducks fall into the Subfamily Anatinae.

Thanks for sending in your question.

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