Did your know?
Smews nest in tree cavities and therefore often use abandoned woodpecker nests. The appearance of males and females is very different. Unlike the female, the male has very striking and showy black and white colours. In the winter they can sometimes be seen intermittently along the flood basin of the river Elster.
Characteristics
| Classification | Order: Anseriformes; family: Anatidae (water birds) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Almost exclusively fish |
| Habitat | Freshwater lakes with abundant fish and slow-flowing rivers |
| Reproduction | 7–9 eggs that are incubated for 26–28 days |
Status according to Red List
More information you will get on the web page of the IUCN Red List.
