Eider
Somateria mollissima
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Eider is a large sea duck with a distinctive wedge-shaped bill. Males in breeding plumage have a striking black and white colouration with a pale green nape and a pinkish tinge on the breast.
Females are brown with a barred pattern, blending well with their environment. Both sexes have a sloping forehead profile.
In winter, males moult into a mottled brown plumage similar to females but retain some white feathers.
Size
Length
50cm to 71cm
Wingspan
80cm to 108cm
Weight
1.2kg to 3kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Eiders inhabit coastal marine environments across the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Siberia. They prefer cold, shallow waters near rocky shores and islands.
In winter, they may move further south along coastlines. Significant populations can be found in coastal areas of Canada, Alaska, Scotland, and Scandinavia, with some reaching as far south as the northeastern United States.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eider. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Eiders display considerable agility in water, using their wings to propel themselves underwater and dive to depths of over 20 metres. Their ability to manoeuvre effectively in both air and water contributes to this high agility rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
These large sea ducks possess significant strength, evident in their ability to dive deep, pry shellfish from rocks, and crush molluscs in their gizzards. Their robust build and capacity to carry heavy loads of food contribute to this strong rating.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Eiders demonstrate good adaptability, thriving in cold, coastal environments and adjusting their diets based on available prey. Their ability to form crèches for duckling care and switch between breeding and wintering grounds shows adaptability, though they are somewhat specialised for specific habitats.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While Eiders are not typically aggressive birds, they may display protective behaviour during breeding season, particularly females guarding nests. However, their generally social nature and tendency to form large flocks suggest a relatively low aggression level.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Eiders exhibit remarkable endurance, particularly evident in their long-distance flights during migration, ability to dive repeatedly for food, and the female's capacity to lose up to 45% of body weight during egg-laying and incubation. Their survival in harsh Arctic conditions further supports this high endurance rating.
Diet
Eiders primarily feed on molluscs, especially blue mussels, which they swallow whole and crush in their gizzards. They also consume crustaceans, sea urchins, and small fish. Diving to depths of up to 20 meters, they use their strong bills to pry shellfish from rocks.
Behaviour
Eiders are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks on coastal waters. They dive for food, using their wings to propel themselves underwater.
During the breeding season, females form dense colonies on coastal islands, while males gather in separate groups nearby.
Vocalisation
Male Eiders produce a distinctive, soft cooing call during courtship, often described as 'ah-ooo'. This sound carries well over water. Females make a low, grating 'grog-grog' call. In flight, both sexes may emit short grunting noises.
Nesting & Breeding
Eiders form pairs in late winter and spring. Females return to their natal areas to breed, often on small islands or coastal headlands.
Nests are built on the ground, lined with vegetation and the famous eider down. Females typically lay 4-6 olive-green eggs.
Incubation lasts about 26 days and is carried out solely by the female. Ducklings leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching and are often tended by groups of females in crèches.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Currently listed as Near Threatened globally, Eider populations face threats from oil spills, over-harvesting of eggs and down, and climate change impacts on Arctic breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding colonies and managing hunting practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Eiders in coastal areas, especially rocky shores and islands
- Listen for the male's distinctive cooing call during breeding season
- Observe large flocks in winter months in northern coastal regions
- Use a spotting scope to view distant rafts of birds on the water
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Eider down, collected from nests, is prized for its insulating properties in high-end clothing and bedding.
- Female Eiders lose up to 45% of their body weight during egg-laying and incubation.
- Eiders can dive to depths of over 20 meters to forage for food.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Somateria mollissima. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680405A132525971.
View source - 3
website, 2015: BirdLife International
View source - 2
report, 2012: Wetlands International
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