Smew Duck (Mergellus albellus)

Smew Duck

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History

The living species is believed to have existed for about 2 to 1.5 million years, as attested to by fossils from the earliest Pleistocene found in England.

Characteristics

The drake Smew, with its 'cracked ice' appearance, is unmistakable, and looks very black-and-white in flight. The females and immature males are grey birds with chestnut foreheads and crowns. They are often known as 'redhead' Smew. It has oval white wing-patches in flight. The Smew's bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges, which help it catch fish when it dives for them.

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Purpose

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Classification

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Origin

Europe

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