Smew (Mergellus albellus)
General Information
The smew (*Mergellus albellus*) is a species of small-sized diving duck (38-44cm/15-17in long with a wingspan of 56-59cm/22-23in and weight of 450-650g/0.99-1.43lbs) that breeds in the Palearctic from the northern taigas of Scandinavia in Europe eastward to Chukotka in Russia (green). It lives on lakes rich with fish and slow-moving rivers. It is a migratory species and winters in the Baltic Sea and Black Sea in northern Germany, the Low Countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands), and Great Britain in Europe, and in the Caspian Sea in eastern China, Korea, and Japan, with a small number reaching northern India in Asia (blue). It is a vagrant in northern Africa and North America (teal).
The males are easily identified - primarily white with a black mask and black lines along the breast and flanks. Females are grey in colouration with a dark rust-brown head and white throat and cheek patch, sometimes confused with female goldeneyes (which the smew can hybridise with). Both males and females have a bushy crest on their heads.
Compared to other birds in the game based on real-life measurements, it is the 8th longest duck species, has the 9th largest wingspan, and is the 9th heaviest waterfowl out of 13 species.
Behaviour and habitat
The smew prefers to reside on the edges of lakes, often under small trees. It is shy and flushes easily when disturbed. They occur in small to large flocks and feed during the day, roosting at night. It prefers shallow waters and its major habitats consist of boreal forests and large permanent inland wetlands during the breeding season and large permanent inland wetlands outside of breeding season.
Where would it fit ingame?
The smew's distribution range fits both Medved-Taiga National Park (which is notably lacking in waterfowl) and Revontuli Coast. I believe it would be a great addition to either or both maps as a flashy new waterfowl to hunt.
edgy heath
potent halo
topaz tangle
last rivet
jolly seal