Smew

The smallest of the European sawbills. The Smew is a winter visitor to Central and Western Europe from the northern taiga. It favors sheltered coastal bays and large inland lakes. The male's striking white plumage makes it a favorite for birdwatchers. These birds are often quite shy and wary of humans.

Smews are expert divers. They hunt for small fish and aquatic insects using a thin, serrated bill. In winter, they often form small, active groups. Their flight is very fast and direct. They are cavity nesters. They often use old Black Woodpecker holes in trees near water on their breeding grounds.