The Smew (Mergellus albellus), a rare migratory duck, has been recorded for the first time at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. It is a small diving duck of the family Anatidae that breeds in northern Eurasia and moves south to ice-free waters in winter. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Nagaon district.