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The smew, or white merganser, is adapted for chasing and catching fast-swimming fish. Slender and streamlined, the smew makes shallow dives in pursuit of prey. Tooth-like serrations on its bill are made for grasping a slippery, struggling fish.

Did You Know?

Tooth-like serrations on its bill are made for grasping a slippery, struggling fish.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Mergellus albellus

Range:
Europe, Asia, and northern Africa

Habitat:
Flooded woodlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, and bays

Length:
14 to 16 in

Zoo Location:
Birds of the World

Diet:
Fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects, and insect larvae