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

His ghostly white sides close up are actually vermiculated light grey

He can be smooth

or untidy

In transition between breeding and nearly completed eclipse plumage

Smew pair