About the Smew
The smew is a species of duck and is the only living member of the genus Mergellus. The genus is closely related to Mergus and is sometimes included in it; genetic studies have shown that it is the sister taxon to Mergus and Lophodytes. The smew has hybridised with the common goldeneye.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The smew is 38–44 cm (15–17 in) long, with a wingspan of 56–69 cm (22–27 in), and a weight of 450–650 g (16–23 oz). Adult drake smew, with its 'cracked ice' or 'panda' appearance, is unmistakable, and looks very black-and-white in flight. The females and immature males are grey, with chestnut forehead and crown, white chin and cheeks, and black lores; they are often known as "redhead" smew.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Iraq, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Velvet ScoterMelanitta fuscaThe velvet scoter is 51–56 cm (20–22 in) in length and has a wingspan of 90–99 cm (35–39 in).
Barrow's GoldeneyeBucephala islandicaAdults are similar in appearance to the common goldeneye.
Harlequin DuckHistrionicus histrionicusAdult breeding males have a colorful and complex plumage pattern.
Side by side: Smew vs Velvet Scoter · Barrow's Goldeneye vs Smew · Harlequin Duck vs Smew
Learn the Smew for real
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