The Smew is a species of duck found in northern parts of the Old World. Male Smew ducks have a striking black and white plumage, with fine black lines that look like cracks across parts of the white body, and a black circle over the eyes.
Smews feed on small aquatic animals, like insects and insect larvae, frogs, and fish. They will also feed on vegetation. They forage mainly by diving below the water to catch prey or find food.
Smew are found across a wide range, from northern Europe across much of Russia and into Alaska. Some birds winter further south, in parts of central Europe and central Asia.
2021 Bonanza Bird #2: Smew
Today, a striking species of duck joins Birdorable. Our second Bonanza bird of 2021 is the Smew! Smews are Old World ducks found in northern parts of Europe and Asia. These migratory ... more