Smew Bird Details
Mergellus albellus
Smew,White Nun, Common Smew, Black-headed Smew;
Snowbilled Batak
Carl Linnaeus (1758)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Mergellus
- Breeding Range: Northern and Central Europe, parts of Asia (e.g., Russia, Kazakhstan).
- Wintering Range: Western Europe (e.g., the UK, France) and parts of Asia, India (Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh).
Appearance :
The male Smew has a distinctive black and white plumage with a striking black head and a white body, featuring a unique black “cap” on its head. Females are brown with a paler face and neck and are less colorful than males.
Behaviour :
Smews are generally social birds, often seen in small flocks. They are known for their diving abilities when foraging for food, which includes fish and small aquatic invertebrates.
Habitat :
Smews prefer freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands, particularly those with dense vegetation and abundant aquatic life. They breed in wooded areas near water.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They dive underwater to catch their prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Smew breeds in northern Europe and Asia, including countries like Finland, Sweden, and Russia. During winter, they migrate to parts of western Europe, the UK, and some areas of Asia.
Population Size :
The global population of Smews is estimated to be between 50,000 to 200,000 individuals.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of a Smew in the wild is around 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Smew is a medium-sized diving duck, characterized by a streamlined body that aids in underwater swimming.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5.5 cm (2.2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a striking black head with a distinctive white patch around the eyes, while the female has a more subdued brown head with lighter facial markings.
- Eyes: Dark brown in color, set against the contrasting head plumage.
- Bill: The bill is relatively short, broad, and flat, adapted for catching fish and aquatic invertebrates.
- Bill Length: About 4.2 cm (1.65 inches).
Length :
Ranges from 38 to 45 cm (15 to 18 inches) from beak to tail.
Neck :
The neck is long and slender, allowing the bird to reach underwater while diving.
Size :
A medium-sized duck, with males being slightly larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and pointed, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches).
- Feathers: The male has striking white and black plumage, while the female has brown and tan feathers, providing good camouflage.
Weight :
Males typically weigh between 700 to 1,000 grams (1.5 to 2.2 lbs), while females weigh around 600 to 900 grams (1.3 to 2.0 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are pointed and designed for fast, agile flight, allowing quick takeoffs and maneuverability in the air.
Wing Span :
Approximately 75 to 85 cm (29.5 to 33.5 inches).
Facial Feature :
Males exhibit a striking facial pattern with a bold black cap and white cheek patches, while females have a more subdued and cryptic coloration with lighter facial markings.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is typically located on the ground, often hidden among dense vegetation or reeds near water bodies.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from plant material, such as grass and reeds, and is lined with down feathers to provide insulation for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
Typically begins in late March to early May.
Nesting Season :
Nests are usually built in late April to June.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue to greenish in color, which helps camouflage them against the surroundings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.7 to 5.1 cm (1.85 to 2.0 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.4 to 3.8 cm (1.34 to 1.50 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 30 to 50 grams (1.06 to 1.76 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The female typically lays between 5 to 10 eggs in a single clutch.
No. of Broods :
Smews generally raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 28 to 30 days
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge (develop feathers necessary for flight) after about 50 to 60 days.
Vocalization :
Smews are generally quiet but may produce soft whistles and low grunts, especially during courtship and breeding.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are highly distinctive with their black and white coloring, while females are more uniformly brown and less conspicuous.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Smews are migratory birds, migrating from their breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia to wintering areas in western Europe and parts of Asia.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the fall (September to October) for southward movement and in spring (March to April) for northward movement.
- Migration Route: Migration routes vary, but they generally travel along major waterways and lakes, sometimes following traditional paths established over generations.
- Reasons for Migration: The primary reasons for migration include the search for suitable feeding areas, changes in food availability, and the need to find warmer climates during winter months to ensure survival and reproductive success.
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