| Smew | ||||||||||||||
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| File:Smew.both.arp.250pix.jpg | ||||||||||||||
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Male and female Smew. | ||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Mergellus albellus |
The Smew (Mergellus albellus) is a small duck which is intermediate between the mergansers and the goldeneyes, and has interbred with Goldeneye.
This species breeds in the northern taiga of Europe and Asia and winters on sheltered coasts or inland lakes. It nests in tree holes, such as old woodpecker nests. The Smew has a hooked tip and serrated edges to its bill to help it catch fish, which it does by diving.
The Smew is shy and flushes easily when disturbed.
The drake Smew, with its 'cracked ice' appearance is unmistakable, and looks very black-and-white in flight. The females and immature males are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns, and can be confused at a distance with Ruddy duck; they are often known as "redhead" Smew. It has oval white wing-patches in flight.