donate

membership

Smew: here’s the scoop

threats

Although not globally threatened, it is affected by the availability of nest sites in suitable habitats. During migration and winter it is subject to a certain amount of hunting pressure and also has been exposed to oil pollution where it occurs in significant numbers in coastal waters.

Species

Smew

Scientific name

Mergellus albellus

Habitat

Freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers along coniferous forests. Winters along sheltered coasts and inland lakes

Diet

Fish, aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and plants

life expectancy

8 – 10 years

Did you know?

The smew is the only species within the Mergellus genus.

Range

Europe and Asia

Conservation status

Least Concern

Widespread and abundant