The Ducks. 
i53 
THE SMEW. 
( Mergus nlbellus.) 
a North American species, and only visits Great Britain in winter, when it is found 
on our western coasts as well as in other parts of western Europe. It sometimes 
assembles in enormous flocks, extending for ten miles in length. The nest is made 
of reeds, grass and water-plants, lined 
with down. The eggs are from five to 
eight in number, of a slightly greenish 
cream-colour, and they measure nearly 
two-and-a-half inches in length. 
Easily recognised 
by its .white plumage, , 
varied with black mark- 
ings. The male has a distinct white crest. 
The female is a grey bird with a rufous 
head and neck and white under surface. 
The Smew breeds in Northern Europe 
and Siberia and visits the Mediterranean j HE g MEW 
countries in winter, as well as North- 
western India and China. It occurs on the coasts of Great Britain in winter, but 
is rarer on the western side of our islands. The nest is made in a hollow tree, 
and consists only of the down of the bird. The eggs are seven or eight in number, 
of a creamy white in colour, and scarcely to be distinguished from those of the 
Wigeon ; they measure about two inches in length. 
This handsome Duck is an inhabitant of North America, 
and has only visited Great Britain on a few occasions. It has 
not been observed anywhere else in Europe. It is easily 
THE HOODED 
MERGANSER. 
(Lophodytes 
cucullatus.) 
recognised by its striking coloration and crested head. It is 
a shy bird during the breeding-season and collects in flocks in 
the winter, like the 
Smew. The nest 
is placed in the 
hollow of a tree or 
log, and is made 
of dry grass, lined 
with grey down. 
The eggs are white 
and nearly round 
in shape. They are 
of an ivory-white, 
and measure two or 
two - and - a - quarter 
The Hooded Merganser 
The Goosander. 
inches in length. 
