'Merganser Americanus' definitions:

Definition of 'Merganser Americanus'

From: GCIDE
  • Merganser \Mer*gan"ser\, n. [Sp. merg['a]nsar, fr. mergo a diver (L. mergus, fr. mergere to dip, dive) + ['a]nsar goose, L. anser.] (Zool.) Any bird of the genus Mergus (Merganser), and allied genera of the subfamily Merginae. They are allied to the ducks, but have a sharply serrated bill, eat fish, and dive for food. Also called fish duck. [1913 Webster +PJC]
  • Note: The red-breasted merganser (Merganser serrator) inhabits both hemispheres. It is called also sawbill, harle, and sheldrake. The American merganser (Merganser Americanus.) and the hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) are well-known species.
  • White merganser, the smew or white nun. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Merganser Americanus'