Mergellus albellus; Print; The smew (Mergellus albellus) is a species of duck; and is the only living member of the genus Mergellus. Mergellus is a diminutive of Mergus and albellus is from Latin albus "white". This genus is closely related to Mergus and is sometimes included in it; though it might be closer to the goldeneyes (Bucephala). The smew has hybridized with the common goldeneye (B. clangula).; 1700-1880