Smew

Mergellus albellus

The Smew is a small, striking diving duck found in northern Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive black and white plumage, with males having a white body, black back, and a black and white head pattern. Females are grey with a reddish-brown crest. Smews are often found in wooded and tundra areas near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. They are skilled divers and feed on fish and aquatic invertebrates. The Smew is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations in its range.

Habitat: Wooded and tundra areas near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters