IDENTIFY SMEW - WWT SLIMBRIDGE

SMEW (Mergellus albellus)

©Nigel Key Smew (Slimbridge May 2012)

The Smew is the only member of the Mergellus genus and is a Sea Duck.

The Smew has a saw bill which it uses to mainly eat fish. The Smew is related to the Merganser and the Goldeneye.

Although the Smew population is decreasing, it is currenly classed as Least Concern. The Smew is one of the ducks to which the Agreement on the Consevation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies.

Hear the Smew's Call:-

Conservation Status

Size
380mm to 440mm (15" to 17")

Appearance - Male
The male has White plumage, a Black eye patch down the the dark Grey bill, a White crest with Black at the base. The back rump and wings have Grey/Black markings and the sides are light Grey with dark vermiculations. The legs and feet are Grey.

Appearance - Female
The female has a Chestnut Brown upper head and rear neck with a White lower head and throat and Grey bill. The upper-parts and sides are a medium mottled Grey with a White belly. The legs and feet are Grey.

Habitat
Lakes, Ponds and Coastal Areas.

Diet
Fish, Insect Larvae, Molluscs, and Crustaceans.

Breeding Time
April to May.

Nest
The nest is built in tree hollows lined with feathers and down.

Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 9
Average size: 53mm x 38mm.
Colour: Creamy Buff.

PHOTOGRAPHS



17/05/14	09/04/15	25/03/19



16/03/14	16/03/14	17/05/14




26/05/12	26/05/12	04/09/13



03/06/09	09/04/11	09/04/11

Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key Click for larger image

Related Links:-

Goldeneye - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Merganser - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Sea Duck Identification - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.

LOCATION



	Breeding Habitat - Siberia
	Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia to Kamchatka.
	Winter Habitat or Migration Area
	Winters in South-east England, Southern Sweden, Central Europe, Baltic Sea and the Black Sea, China, Korea and Japan.