Trivia question for Mar-08-2011

Carter picked this bird because of its cool looking colors.  Let’s see how you do with your avian trivia.  This birds bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges, which help it catch fish when it dives for them.

These birds need trees for breeding.  They live on fish-rich lakes and slow rivers.  Although they are not an endangered species, they do face risks in Russia by a particular predator.  Concern also exists about the threat of pesticides and pollution.  Rivers in industry areas are often used as dumping grounds and toxic chemicals, gradually enter the food chain, accumulating in fish and invertebrates that make up this birds prey base.

So here are Carter’s questions:  Tell us what the number one predator is for these guys in Russia and also tell us the common nickname given to these birds?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Congratulations to Ty for being absolutely correct with all his answers. The bird we featured is the Smew.   The Smew is a small duck, which is somewhat intermediate between the typical mergansers and the goldeneyes.  The Smew is also frequently called the white nun because if their striking black and white markings.

In Russia, numbers of Smew’s have been dramatically reduced since the escape of the American Mink which are being raised on fur-farms.    Here is more on these strikingly hansom birds: Smew

Thanks for playing along 😉