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MarinePlatform nestHuge · 2.1 kg
What the Common Eider sounds like
ID tip
The common eider is the largest of the four eider species, measuring 50 to 71 cm (19+1⁄2 to 28 in) in length, weighs 0.81 to 3.04 kg (1 lb 12+1⁄2 oz to 6 lb 11 oz) and spans 80–110 cm (31–43 in) across the wings. The average weight of 22 males in the North Atlantic was 2.21 kg (4 lb 14 oz) while 32 females weighed an average of 1.92 kg (4 lb 3+1⁄2 oz). It is distinguished by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is distinct, with its black and white plumage and green nape.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Common Eider
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Common Eider
The map shades 42 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Luxembourg, Georgia.
About the 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).
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
King EiderSomateria spectabilisThe king eider is a large sea duck, measuring 50–70 cm (20–28 in) in length with a wingspan of 86–102 cm (34–40 in).
Spectacled EiderSomateria fischeriThe spectacled eider is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia.
Side by side: Common Eider vs King Eider
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