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ExploreBirds

Smew

Mergellus albellus

The Smew is a small, beautiful duck with a striking black and white pattern. They love to swim and dive in the water, making them fun to watch as they hunt for fish and insects.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Smew is a small diving duck with a distinctive look. Males are bright white with a black back and a striking black mask around their eyes, resembling a stylish tuxedo. Females have a grey body with a reddish-brown crown and nape, and a white cheek patch.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusMergellus

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It's the smallest kind of 'sawbill' duck, famous for eating fish!

Smew males have a special 'eyeliner' patch that makes them look super cool!

Smews often use old woodpecker nests high up in trees to lay eggs.

They fly thousands of kilometers each year, seeking warmer waters!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Navigator

Smew can swim and dive deep using its powerful legs because this helps them chase fast-moving fish underwater.

Ability

Tree-Dwelling Nursery

Smew has the ability to nest in old tree holes because this provides a safe, elevated spot for their eggs away from many predators.

Ability

Keen Underwater Vision

Smew can spot prey quickly underwater because its eyes are adapted for clear vision in murky water.

Measurements & details

Length
38-44 cm
Wingspan
64-73 cm
Weight
0.45-0.65 kg
Lifespan
8-12 years
Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
6-9
Incubation
28-30 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Smews are expert underwater hunters, mostly eating small fish, insects, and other water critters.

Primary Foods

  • Small fish
  • Aquatic insects
  • Tadpoles
  • Small crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Hunts

Roach

Rutilus rutilus

A common small fish prey in freshwaters.

Eaten by

White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla

Large raptors can prey on adult Smews.

Depends on

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker

Picoides tridactylus

Smews use their old nesting holes for shelter.

Hunts

Great Diving Beetle

Dytiscus marginalis

Aquatic insects like these are a food source.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Smew?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Smew?

38-44 cm

What is Smew's wingspan?

64-73 cm

How much does Smew weigh?

0.45-0.65 kg

How long does Smew live?

8-12 years

How fast can Smew move?

80 km/h

What does Smew eat?

Smews are expert underwater hunters, mostly eating small fish, insects, and other water critters.

Where is Smew usually found?

Wetlands

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