Smew
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Mergellus albellus
Rare & scarce local Winter Visitor usually 100-200 year between November-March in Britain, occasional influxes.
Mainly in the South East.
Also winters in France, Central Europe & the Mediterranean from October-March.
Breeds in Sweden & Finland.
Males with its 'cracked ice' or 'panda' appearance, is unmistakable, and looks very black-and-white in flight.
Females & Juvenile Males are grey, with chestnut forehead and crown, white chin and cheeks, and black lores; they are often known as "Redhead" Smew.
They have oval white wing-patches in flight.
The bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges, which help it catch fish when it dives for them.