Smew Recorded First Time in Kaziranga During Census
Why in the news
Kaziranga’s waterbird count in January 2026 logged a Smew for the first time ever. The record sparked concern about migratory birds changing ranges because of climate.
About the Smew
- Native to the Eurasian taiga.
- Scientific name: Mergellus albellus.
- Winters in sheltered freshwater lakes and wetlands.
- Eats mostly small fish and other aquatic life.
- IUCN status: Least Concern.
Census details
- 7th edition, January 2026, spanning 166 wetlands in 10 ranges.
- Areas named: Kaziranga, Laokhowa and Burhachapori.
Exam angle
- Place: Kaziranga, Assam.
- Species: Smew, Mergellus albellus, Least Concern.
- Concern raised: climate-linked shifts in migratory ranges.