Duck of the Week: Common Eider
A northern sea-duck known for being one of the largest duck species in Europe and North America.
The common eider is the largest of the four eider duck species and graces the northern shores of Europe, North America, and Siberia. With sloping foreheads and robust bodies, they are among the largest duck species in North America and Europe.
The male common eider can be identified by its white back, black top of the head, and light green neck. Females have much more reddish-brown plumage with black barring.
While these ducks winter in temperate zones, they breed in northern regions including the Arctic. Their nests are constructed near the sea and lined with eiderdown, which is plucked from the breast of the female. Eiderdown used to be a common stuffing for pillows and quilts and is still used to this day, though many synthetic down alternatives have become more common.
The common eider is a diving duck that often selects crustaceans as its meal of choice. During the summer, they often gather in large flocks along coasts in the southern stretches of their range.
Have you ever seen a common eider? If you happened to snap a photo, I’d love to see it and hear its story. And if you have any suggestions for future ducks of the week, please let me know. Thanks for reading!