Eurasian Smew in Kaziranga
1) Context:
• First-ever sighting during 7th waterbird census at Kaziranga National Park.
• Indicates possible climate-linked migratory shift.
2) Bird Profile — Smew (Mergellus albellus):
• Small Eurasian diving duck.
• Breeds in Eurasian taiga (N. Europe & Siberia).
• Winter migrant; prefers fish-rich, sheltered freshwater wetlands.
• Usually solitary or in small flocks.
• Rare/vagrant visitor to India.
3) Why Seen in Assam?
• Climate-driven range shift.
• Availability of suitable floodplain wetlands.
• Wetland resilience of Kaziranga landscape.
4) 7th Waterbird Census:
• Conducted by Assam Forest Department.
• Covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges.
• Recorded 1+ lakh waterbirds (100+ species).
Significance: Indicator of wetland health and changing migration patterns.
