Smew
Mergellus albellus
A male Smew
Photo courtesy of Alex Levitskiy & Blue Creek Aviaries
The Smew is a small diving duck which is often considered to be a link between the Goldeneyes and the larger Mergansers. Its range covers most of northern Europe and Asia.
These lovely little birds are not easy to raise in captivity. They are social, but they need large areas of water and lots of natural food.
The 5-7 eggs are laid in tree holes or nest boxes and incubation lasts for 26 days.
Smew Links:
A female Smew
Photo courtesy of Ian Gereg
Two shots of a drake
Photos courtesy of Ian Gereg
A pair of Smew
Photos courtesy of Alex Levitskiy & Blue Creek Aviaries
And another shot of a Smew hen
Photo courtesy of Ian Gereg
Young Smew
Smew duckling
Photo courtesy of Alex Levitskiy & Blue Creek Aviaries
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