The European Merganser is a species of duck that is also known as the SMEW, which is a four-letter word. It is a medium-sized duck that is found in northern Europe and parts of Asia. The male has a distinctive white and black plumage, while the female is grayish-brown. The European Merganser feeds mainly on fish, but also eats insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. It nests in tree cavities and lays up to nine eggs. This species is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.