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Smews

 

 

Smews do not nest in Estonia and the period for passing migrants is by and by ending; very few stay for winter. We meet them in sea bays on the western coast but also at lakes Peipsi or Võrtsjärv.

 

Prudent and small diving ducks, length about 40 centimetres and weight about half a kilo. The males with their bright plumage are somewhat like ”goodies” for wildlife photographers. The plumage of females is grey-patterned, the head rusty brown and cheeks white. The beak and legs grey for both sexes. During the migration halt they feed on invertebrates or small fish.

 

Observations of smews: LINK