Smew

Duck Families and Species Duck Pictures Barrow's Goldeneye Bufflehead King Eider Mergansers Stiff-tailed Ducks Whistling Ducks

The Smew (Mergus albellus) is a small diving duck more common in Europe and Asia than in the United States.

Alaska is home to most of the Smews that reach U.S. soil. However, one or two smews occasionally detour to visit other states, including Washington, Oregon and California.

Males, like the one pictured above, have white feathers outlined with small areas of black feathers.

Their serated black bill is used for catching fish, their favorite food.

Females have red heads and the same black bill.

© 2005-2008 Patricia A. Michaels