Rare Smew Sighted in Kaziranga for First Time

The rare smew, a striking white diving duck, has been recorded for the first time in Kaziranga National Park during the 7th Waterbird Count. The sighting occurred at the Rowmari-Donduwa beels in the Laokhowa buffer of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, marking a significant ornithological milestone for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The smew emerged as the ‘star species’ of this year’s census, which documented over 1.05 lakh waterbirds across Kaziranga’s wetlands.

About the Smew

The Smew (Mergellus albellus) is a winter migrant to India from the Eurasian taiga. Males are distinctive with a black mask on a predominantly white body, while females display mottled brown plumage.

In India, sightings are rare and typically localised to northern and central wetlands. Previous records include Haiderpur in Uttar Pradesh and earlier observations around Corbett. The species favours fish-rich, sheltered waters and is usually seen singly or in small flocks.

Globally, the smew population is estimated at around 1.3 lakh mature individuals. Although considered abundant, numbers are declining due to habitat loss and removal of nesting snags.

Waterbird Count Highlights

The 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count was conducted from January 4 to 11 using standardised protocols. More than 120 enumerators and 50 volunteers participated. The survey was compiled by the Kaziranga Park Authority in collaboration with the Assam Bird Monitoring Network.

Officials stated that large perennial wetlands recorded high bird counts, while seasonal wetlands enhanced species diversity. The findings offer a vital baseline for wetland health, habitat use and conservation planning.

Ecological Significance

Kaziranga’s wetlands form part of the Central Asian Flyway, a major migratory route connecting Siberia and Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. The tiger reserve encompasses Important Bird Areas, including Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries.

Important Facts for Exams

• Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam.
• The Central Asian Flyway connects breeding grounds in Siberia to South Asia.
• The smew (Mergellus albellus) is a winter migrant to India.
• Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are sites critical for bird conservation.

Conservation Implications

Ornithologists noted that the smew’s presence signals healthy wetlands but may also reflect climate-driven range shifts. Kaziranga, with over 500 bird species and a conservation legacy spanning more than a century, remains one of India’s most important floodplain ecosystems. Officials emphasised the need for holistic river-beel conservation to safeguard migratory and resident species amid hydrological and land-use pressures.