Smew (mergellus albellus, Selby), a web-footed bird differing from the typical mergansers, to which subfamily it belongs, in having the bill much shorter than the head and elevated at the base, and the mandibles with short and closely set lamellae. It is about 17½ in. long and 27 in. in alar extent; the general color is white, whence its common name of white nun; around the eyes, a patch on each side of the nape, semi-collar on each side of lower neck, middle of back, tail, and wings black; scapulars, middle wing coverts, tertials, and secondary tips white; in the female the head is reddish brown. It is found in the northern parts of the old world, in winter coming down to central Europe, frequenting the sea coast, lakes, and rivers; it is an expert swimmer and diver, and feeds on fish and crustaceans; the nest is made near the water, and the eggs are 8 to 12; like other mergansers it hybridizes with the ducks, especially with the genus clangula (Flem.). It is generally believed to be accidental in America, only a single female specimen having been obtained by Audubon, near New Orleans.

Smew (Mergellus albellus).