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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.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Smew (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge April 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge March 2019) - pic by Nigel Key
17/05/14 09/04/15 25/03/19
Smew (WWT Slimbridge March 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge March 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key
16/03/14 16/03/14 17/05/14
Smew (WWT Slimbridge May 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge May 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
26/05/12 26/05/12 04/09/13
Smew (WWT Slimbridge June 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Smew (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
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

Smew
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.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Smew
Tundra Zone - WWT Slimbridge
© Nigel Key Tundra Zone (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Smew can be found in the Tundra Zone, along with the following wildfowl:-
Barnacle Goose
Bean Goose
Eider
Gadwall
Goldeneye
Greater Scaup
Merganser
Redhead
Shelduck
Tundra Zone (WWT Slimbridge)


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl S to Z
Shelduck
Smew
Snow Goose
South African Shelduck
Southern Pochard
South Georgian Pintail
Spot-Billed Duck
Spotted Whistling Duck
Spur-Winged Goose
Swan Goose
Trumpeter Swan
Tufted Duck
Wandering Whistling Duck
West Indian Whistling Duck
Whistling Swan
White-Cheeked Pintail
White-Faced Whistling Duck
White-Fronted Goose
White-Backed Duck
White-Headed Duck
White-Winged Duck
Yellow-Billed Duck