Common eider

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).

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Distribution

Region

North Atlantic and Arctic coasts

Typical Environment

Breeds along rocky and low-lying coasts, islands, and skerries across the high-latitude North Atlantic and adjacent Arctic seas. It favors nearshore marine habitats with abundant bivalve beds, kelp reefs, and sheltered bays. Nests are placed on coastal islands among grasses, heather, or low shrubs, usually close to water. In winter it moves south to ice-free temperate coasts, often forming large rafts just offshore. It rarely ventures far inland except on large brackish lagoons and estuaries.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size50–71 cm

Wing Span80–110 cm

Male Weight2.2 kg

Female Weight1.6 kg

Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The soft eiderdown used in premium bedding is traditionally collected from common eider nests after the birds have left, especially in Iceland, and is considered a highly sustainable practice. Females line their nests with this down to insulate eggs in cold, windy coastal habitats. Ducklings often form crèches guarded by multiple females. Despite its bulk, this sea-duck flies fast and low over waves and can exceed 100 km/h.

Gallery

A common eider skull

Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Behaviour

Temperament

social but wary

Flight Pattern

strong flier

Social Behavior

Breeds colonially on coastal islands, with females nesting on the ground and lining nests with eiderdown. Males depart after incubation begins, leaving females to rear the brood. Females often combine broods into crèches for collective defense against predators.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Males give mellow, cooing ‘ah-ooo’ notes during courtship, often in series. Females produce rough quacks and grunts, especially when guarding broods.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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