Smew Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
The Smew, with the scientific name Mergellus albellus, remains the only existing species of its genus Mergellus. Fossils from the Middle Miocene period reveal that ducks resembling the smew existed approximately 13 million years ago.
Male Smews are mainly white with black markings, creating a contrast, whereas females have a grey plumage and a reddish-brown head. Both have the signature white cheek patch, but it’s the male’s distinct black-and-white pattern that distinguishes them.
Keep reading to learn more about the Smew’s habitat, life span, flight speed, and nesting habits.
Table of Contents
How Long Does A Smew Live?
A Smew is a small migratory duck that usually lives for about 8 to 10 years in the wild. However, in conditions where food is abundant and predators are few, some of these small migratory ducks can live up to 15 years.
How Fast Can A Smew Fly?
A smew can fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (approximately 97 km/h). This is on par with other small diving ducks such as a Mallard that is capable of reaching speeds of around 50 mph (80 km/h) in optimal conditions.
With their streamlined bodies and strong wings, smews appear well-suited for swift and agile flight, also similar to other small ducks like the Teal.
Are Smews Aggressive?
Smews are typically not considered aggressive birds. They do not show territorial behaviour, even during the breeding season. The male smew might protect his mate early in incubation, but this is more about protection than aggression. Overall, smews are known for their calm and shy nature, often preferring solitude or small groups.
What Is A Smew’s Habitat?
Depending on the season, Smews can be found in various aquatic settings. During their breeding period, they favour freshwater habitats like slow rivers, lowland oxbow lakes, and ponds. They depend on trees for nesting, frequently occupying tree hollows or old woodpecker nests.
These places are generally found in the northern taiga forests of Europe and the Palearctic area, spanning parts of Russia, Scandinavia, and eastern Siberia.
As winter approaches, smews move to regions with milder climates, commonly seen in coastal lagoons, large lakes, and rivers that do not freeze. Their winter range includes parts of central and eastern Europe, extending to the Black and Caspian seas, reaching Asia. Some also visit the UK, although in smaller numbers, during this season.
How Long Does It Take For A Smew To Build A Nest?
Smews commonly utilise existing tree cavities, such as former woodpecker nests, and they add very little in the way of nesting materials. They select an appropriate cavity and line it sparingly with feathers.
With this nesting pattern, nest preparation generally spans from a few days to a week, depending on the availability of appropriate nesting sites and the surrounding conditions.
Eggs
Let’s take a look at the life stages of Smew eggs, including their laying schedule, quantity, and physical description.
When Do Smews Lay Eggs?
Egg-laying for Smews typically occurs from mid-May to mid-June, which aligns with their breeding season in the northern taiga regions of Europe and Asia.
How Many Eggs Does A Smew Lay?
The average clutch size for a Smew is generally 7 to 9 eggs, though there are occasional reports of clutches with up to 11 eggs.
What Do Smew Eggs Look Like?
Typically, Smew eggs are cream-coloured and oval-shaped. Although there might be slight differences in their shades, they are generally described as creamy to pale in colour.
When compared to other duck eggs, smew eggs are generally medium-sized, measuring roughly 53 mm by 38 mm (2.1 inches by 1.5 inches). The average weight of a Smew egg is 42g, with the shell making up 9% of this total weight.
How Long Do Smew Eggs Take To Hatch?
It typically takes between 26 and 28 days for Smew eggs to hatch. The female alone incubates these eggs, keeping them cosy and secure until they are ready to hatch.
Chicks
Let’s look at the life of Smew chicks, from how many there are to when they open their eyes and learn to fly.
How Many Chicks Does A Smew Have?
The average clutch size for a Smew is usually between 7 and 9 eggs, though larger clutches do occur. As such, the average number of Smew chicks is likely to be 7 or more, corresponding to their typical clutch size.
When Do Smew Chicks Open Their Eyes?
Smew chicks, similar to other ducklings, are born precocial. They hatch with eyes open, covered in soft down feathers, and can readily follow their mother. This ability is key to their survival, enabling them to escape predators and locate food quickly.
When Do Smew Chicks Fledge?
Around the age of 10 weeks, Smew chicks typically fledge from their nest. This duration allows them to develop the strength required for flight and grow the feathers essential for survival outside the nest. During this time, the female smew remains attentive to the ducklings, ensuring they are well-fed and protected until they are ready to fend for themselves.
SEE ALSO: Smew Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of a Smew is typically 8 to 10 years in the wild, though some can live up to 15 years in favourable conditions.
Smews are typically not considered aggressive birds. They are known for their calm and shy nature, often preferring solitude or small groups, and do not show territorial behaviour even during the breeding season.
Smew eggs are cream-coloured, generally described as creamy to pale in hue.
The habitat of a Smew varies with the seasons. During the breeding period, they favour freshwater habitats like slow rivers and ponds in the northern taiga forests of Europe and Asia. In winter, they move to milder climates, commonly seen in coastal lagoons and large lakes in parts of central and eastern Europe, extending to the Black and Caspian seas, and some even visit the UK.
