THE SMEW 305 



about the end of May or early in June in Finland. They closely 

 resemble those of the wigeon in appearance, being similar in colour 

 and size, but the surface of the egg is smoother and more glossy, and 

 the shell stouter and heavier. Average size 107 eggs, 2'06 x 1'47 in. 

 [52 '4 x 37 '4 mm.]. The down used in the nest is a light grey, some- 

 what dingy looking, and the small feathers are white. Moss and 

 wood chips may be found also in the nesting-hole. The smew is one 

 of the shyest and wariest of ducks, keeping generally to the middle 

 of the lake or river on which it is seen. As a diver it is said by 

 Hume to excel even the grebes and cormorants, and Stuart Baker 

 states that it makes use of its wings when diving. It swims with 

 great rapidity and can outpace an ordinary boat. When alarmed 

 it has the power of sinking its body in the water till only the head 

 and neck are visible. The only note which has been recorded is 

 described by Naumann as a guttural note, not unlike those of the 

 other sawbills, and Bonhote heard " a kind of guttural squeak " from 

 a male bird in confinement. Nothing appears to have been noted 

 as to its courting display. I have seen small parties on the lagoons 

 of the lower Danube as late as the beginning of May, and it has been 

 stated that a few pairs breed there every year. The drakes in full 

 plumage are very conspicuous, but will not allow a close approach, 

 and readily take to flight. 



