Smew Mergellus albellus
The pretty but ghostly Smew drake. The Smew breeds in Eurasian Taiga and winters mainly in northern Europe but can be found as far south as the Black Sea.
An amazing-looking bird in white and black breeding plumage, especially when he raises his white quiff.
Smew have a narrow, serrated bill like the Mergansers but shorter. They dive for fish.
The alien or raccoon of the duck world
or possibly the badger
The black on the nape makes it look as if his quiff is raised even when it isn't.
His ghostly white sides close up are actually vermiculated light grey.
They can be smooth
or untidy.
In transition between breeding and nearly completed eclipse plumage
Drake with 3 ladies
Lady with 3 drakes
Links:
Female Smew