IDENTIFY EIDER - WWT SLIMBRIDGE

EIDER (Somateria mollissima)

©Nigel Key ?? (Slimbridge March 2014)

The Eider is a large Sea Duck of the genus Somateria of which there are 3 species, the Common Eider, the King Eider and the Spectacled Eider.

The down of the eider duck (as well as others) is used to fill pillows and quilts which gave rise to the quilt being known as the Eiderdown.

Hear the Eider's Call:-

Conservation Status

Size
500mm to 710mm (20" to 28")

Appearance - Male
The male has a Black head with White cheeks and a Green/Grey nape. The breast and upperparts are White, the flanks Black, a Black rump and tail. The distinctive bill is Green/Grey and the feet and legs are Olive Green.

Appearance - Female
The female has Brown ‘barred’ plumage with a duller Green/Grey bill.

Habitat
Coastal areas, Lagoons, Lakes and Rivers.

Diet
Shellfish, especially Mussels, Molluscs and Crustaceans.

Breeding Time
Early April to mid June

Nest
Built in a slight hollow in the ground, usually sheltered by vegetation or rocks.

Eggs
Quantity: 3 to 5
Colour: Olive/Grey.

PHOTOGRAPHS



30/11/17	20/04/18	25/03/19



09/04/15	05/10/16	05/10/16




22/07/14	22/07/14	09/04/15



16/03/14	16/03/14	16/03/14



26/07/13	26/07/13	23/11/13




27/10/12	06/07/13	06/07/13



09/04/11	09/04/11	01/10/11



03/06/09	04/06/10	09/04/11

Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key Click for larger image

Related Links:-

Sea Duck Identification - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.

LOCATION



	Breeding Habitat
	Coastal areas in north America, north Europe, Arctic, Greenland, and eastern Siberia.
	Winter Habitat or Migration Area
	They winter from Greenland to the South Atlantic coast and Southern Alaska.