A massive sea duck that breeds in dense colonies on offshore islands. Males are boldly black-and-white with a green patch on the nape; females are warm brown. Their down has been hand-collected from nests for centuries to make luxury bedding.

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 30–70 cm (12–28 in); wingspan 55–95 cm
Weight300–1,800 g
LifespanWild 5–20 years
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae

§ Encyclopedia

The common eider, also called St. Cuthbert's duck or Cuddy's duck, is a large sea-duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, North America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in Arctic and some northern temperate regions, but winters somewhat farther south in temperate zones, when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. It can fly at speeds up to 113 km/h (70 mph).

Source: Wikipedia — Common eider Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Bulky sea duck with a long sloping bill-to-forehead wedge. Male boldly black-and-white with a pale green nape; female warm brown with fine black barring.

Similar species. King Eider male has an orange bill shield and blue-gray crown; female King is warmer/rustier. Common Eider's sloping facial profile is distinctive.

Voice. Male gives a soft, moaning 'ah-OOO' courtship coo; females growl.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Varies by species: aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates, fish.

Behavior. The largest duck in the Northern Hemisphere; a marine diving duck of rocky northern coasts that feeds heavily on mussels swallowed whole. Down from nests is harvested as eiderdown.

§ Range

Coastal northeastern Canada, New England, Alaska, Hudson Bay

§ Habitat

Rocky coasts, offshore islands, marine waters

§ Threats

Climate-driven Arctic ice loss, oil spills, mussel-bed depletion, shellfish overharvest.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the common eider is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support marine protected areas. Buy traceable eider down only. Reduce ocean plastic.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List