Smew
NameSmew
Common NameSmew
Scientific NameMergellus albellus
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)62
Length (cm)41
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsMale: Predominantly white with a prominent black patch around the eye, a thin black crest line, and black stripes on the flanks and back. Female: Grey body, white cheeks, and a reddish-brown cap. Both sexes have a small, slender, serrated bill.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet species. The male has a soft, purring 'krr-krr-krr' call, while the female produces a harsher 'karr' or 'karr-karr' sound.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia eastward across Siberia. Winters further south in central and western Europe, the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and parts of East Asia.
Identifying FeaturesMale: striking black and white plumage, Male: black patch around eye, Male: black crest line, Female: reddish-brown cap and grey body, Small size, Thin, serrated bill
Description
The Smew is a small diving duck with a distinctive head shape. Males are strikingly patterned in black and white, while females exhibit a grey body with a reddish-brown cap. They are agile swimmers and divers, primarily feeding on aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
