Eider like many UK duck species are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different plumage features. Male Eider have a distinctive black belly and wings leading to a white upper chest area with a black cap to their head and a green flash on the back of their head. Female Eider in comparison have a more uniform mix of different browns. All Eider have a characteristically large wedged- shaped bill which they use for mussel feeding.
Eider Duck
Eider Duck
Scientific Name: ( Somateria mollissima )
Eiders are one of the most unique ducks found in the UK and are also one of the few sea ducks that are resident all year round.
They are not only the heaviest duck species in the UK but are also our fastest flying, having been found to reach speeds of over 100km per hour!
Eiders are currently amber listed in the UK and are not covered under the special protected area designated along the Sunderland coastline.
Although they are sea ducks, Eider are primarily found just off the coast foraging for their favourite food- mussels. They can often be seen resting on the water before they begin collectively diving when foraging. When resting you can see them sitting along coastal rocks or on low-lying man-made sea structures.
KEY FACTS
CONSERVATION STATUS | Amber
LENGTH | 50-71cm
WINGSPAN | 80-108cm
WHEN TO SEE THEM | All year round
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