The rare Smew Spotted in Kaziranga has created excitement among bird lovers and conservationists across India. For the first time, the striking white diving duck was recorded inside Kaziranga National Park during the 7th Waterbird Count. The sighting took place at the Rowmari-Donduwa beels located in the Laokhowa buffer area of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

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This important discovery has been described as a major milestone for the famous national park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The smew became the “star species” of this year’s waterbird census. During the survey, more than 1.05 lakh waterbirds were recorded across the wetlands of Kaziranga.

About the Smew

The smew, scientifically known as Mergellus albellus, is a small diving duck that migrates to India during winter. It travels from the cold regions of the Eurasian taiga to warmer wetlands in South Asia. The male smew is easy to identify because of its bright white body and bold black mask around the eyes. The female, however, has a softer brown colour with a reddish-brown head.

In India, the smew is rarely seen. Most earlier sightings were reported from northern wetlands such as Haiderpur in Uttar Pradesh and areas around Corbett. The bird prefers quiet, fish-rich water bodies and is usually seen alone or in small groups.

Globally, the smew population is estimated at around 1.3 lakh mature individuals. Although the species is not critically endangered, its numbers are slowly declining due to habitat loss and the removal of old trees used for nesting.

Highlights of the Waterbird Count

The 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count was conducted from January 4 to 11. The survey followed standard scientific methods to ensure accurate results. More than 120 trained enumerators and 50 volunteers took part in the counting exercise. The survey was organised by the Kaziranga Park Authority along with the Assam Bird Monitoring Network.

Large perennial wetlands showed very high bird numbers, while smaller seasonal wetlands supported a wide variety of species. Officials said that such data is important for understanding wetland health and planning future conservation efforts. The findings also help in tracking changes in bird populations over time.

Importance of Kaziranga’s Wetlands

Kaziranga’s wetlands are part of the Central Asian Flyway, a major migration route connecting Siberia and Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent. Every winter, thousands of migratory birds travel along this flyway and stop at wetlands like Kaziranga for food and shelter.

The tiger reserve includes important bird areas such as Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries. With over 500 bird species recorded, Kaziranga is one of India’s richest bird habitats.

Ecological and Conservation Significance of Smew Spotted in Kaziranga

Experts believe that the presence of the smew shows that Kaziranga’s wetlands are healthy and capable of supporting rare migratory birds. At the same time, some scientists suggest that changing climate patterns may also be influencing the movement of certain species to new locations.

Kaziranga has a long conservation history of more than 100 years. While it is globally known for its one-horned rhinoceros, its floodplain ecosystem also plays a key role in bird conservation. Officials have stressed the importance of protecting rivers and beels to ensure that both resident and migratory birds continue to thrive despite increasing land-use and water challenges.

The sighting of the smew has added a new chapter to Kaziranga’s rich wildlife story and has strengthened its reputation as one of India’s most important natural treasures.