158 ANATIDAt 
full nuptial dress. The plumage of unsullied white, here 
and there interrupted by bands and patches of velvety-black, 
is most beautiful, and in nicety of size, neatness of shape, 
and grace of deportment, no other bird can well surpass. 
it. Hence the adult males are much sought after, and 
are very scarce and difficult to procure. ‘They appear 
to be more strictly maritime in their habits than the 
females. and young; even during rough weather the 
former keep out to sea, while the latter will usually 
avail themselves of the shelter of bays or inland waters. 
So comparatively scarce is the old drake, that notwith- 
standing its striking plumage it is practically unknown 
to fishermen, who call this species the ‘ Red-Headed 
Smew,’ from the colour of the female and young. This 
Duck, as a water-bird, is exceedingly active, diving and 
swimming with great alacrity, but on land it progresses 
slowly and in an ungainly manner, due to its feet being 
placed so far back. 
Food.—The food, which is obtained by diving, consists 
mainly of fish, but small crabs and molluscs are also eaten. 
Flight.—The flight is strong and rapid. 
Votce.—The voice is grating in character, the notes 
resembling the syllables curr-curr-curr-curr. In the breed- 
ing-season a somewhat softer whistling note may be heard. 
Nest.—The nest is built in holes in 1 trees ; thus eggs were 
taken by Wolley in Finnish Lapland,’ “ from a hollow in 
an old rotten birch-stump on June 8th, 1857” (Saunders). 
The nest is lined with white down. The eggs, seven or 
more in number, are cream-coloured. 
Geographical distribution.—The Smew breeds in Nor- 
thern Russia and Siberia, its range being limited by the forest- 
erowth. On its winter migration it visits the seas and 
inland waters of Southern and South-eastern Kurope and 
Asia, while westward, in Hurope and North Africa, it 
spreads as far as the sea-board of the Atlantic Ocean. 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 
PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial—Head, chiefly silken- 
white, except the lower feathers of the crest (which are 
! Finnish Lapland appears to be the western limit of the breeding- 
range of this species. 
2 In the British Museum there is a specimen of a Smew which is said 
to have come from North America. 
