Key information
The smew is a small compact diving duck with a delicate bill. The male is white with a black mask and a black back, the female is grey with a reddish-brown head and white cheek. In flight, it shows black and white wings. It is a winter visitor in small numbers from Scandinavia and Russia. Sometimes birds move here from Holland and Denmark to escape freezing weather there. Little is known about this bird on its breeding grounds.
What they eat:
Fish, insect larvae and other insects.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 36-44 cm
- Wingspan:
- 55-69 cm
- Weight:
- 500-800 g
Population:
- UK wintering:
- 180 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Smew (male)
Smew (female)
