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The Common Eider (Somateria
mollissima) is a large sea duck, which 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 further south in temperate zones, when it can form large
flocks on suitable coastal waters. The nest is built close to
the sea, and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown, plucked from
the female's breast. This soft and warm lining was (and in some
areas, still is) harvested for filling pillows and quilts, but
has been largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese, and
synthetic alternatives. The harvest is sustainable, as it can
be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the
birds. It is characterised by its bulky shape and large wedge-shaped
bill. the male is unmistakable with its black-and-white plumage
and green nape. The female is a brown bird, but can still be readily
distinguished from all ducks except other eider species on size
and head shape.
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This duck's call
is a pleasant "ah-ooo", described as being "like
a bunch of gossipy old women, expressing surprise". This
species is often readily approachable. Drakes of the European,
eastern North American and Asia/western North American races can
be distinguished by minor plumage and bill colour differences.
This species dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels
being a favoured food. A particularly famous colony of Eiders
is the one on the Farne Islands in Northumberland, Britain. These
birds were the subject of the first ever bird protection laws,
brought in by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About 1,000 pairs
still nest there every year. As St Cuthbert is the patron saint
of Northumberland, it was natural that the Eider should be chosen
as the county's emblem bird species; the birds are still often
called Cuddy's ducks the area, 'Cuddy' being the familiar form
of Cuthbert.
Above Images Are From The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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