Smew
Smew
45
12 hours ago
door
jenny van Dorland
j
B
J
+11
The Smew is a small, striking diving duck, often described as a 'sawbill' due to its slender, serrated bill. Males are dazzlingly white with intricate black markings, resembling porcelain, while females are more subdued with a rusty-brown cap.
Where to spot
Breeds in boreal forests and taiga across northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia to Siberia, nesting in tree cavities. Winters on freshwater lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal areas in central and western Europe, and central and East Asia.
How to spot
Look for them on lakes, slow-moving rivers, and sheltered coastal bays. Males are unmistakable with their pristine white body and distinct black eye-patch and irregular lines on the back. Females have a striking rufous-brown cap and a white throat/cheek, distinct from a dark eye-patch.
When to spot
Best observed during winter on calm freshwater bodies.
Where to spot
Breeds in boreal forests and taiga across northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia to Siberia, nesting in tree cavities. Winters on freshwater lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal areas in central and western Europe, and central and East Asia.
How to spot
Look for them on lakes, slow-moving rivers, and sheltered coastal bays. Males are unmistakable with their pristine white body and distinct black eye-patch and irregular lines on the back. Females have a striking rufous-brown cap and a white throat/cheek, distinct from a dark eye-patch.
When to spot
Best observed during winter on calm freshwater bodies.
Smews are sometimes called 'Nun Ducks' due to the male's stark white and black plumage, which some compare to a nun's habit.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 2625 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 12 hours ago door jenny van Dorland
Monthly observations
31 observations
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