Smew
Unlike most ducks that nest in reeds or on the ground, Smews are cavity nesters. They seek out old woodpecker holes (specifically those made by the Black Woodpecker) or nest boxes high up in trees near water. They are fast flyers, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 mph (97 km/h). Smews exhibit a fascinating behavior called differential migration. Adult males (drakes) tend to winter as far north as possible (near the Baltic Sea) to ensure they can return to breeding grounds quickly to claim the best territories. The females and juveniles travel much further south and west (into the UK and Central Europe) to find milder conditions.
