In the United Kingdom, it breeds along the Scottish coast and as far south as Northumberland, as well as in Northern Ireland. It winters in these areas and also further south, being seen in Cornwall, for example.
It is found in many parts of coastal northern Europe and northern North America. Wintering eiders are common on North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. Throughout most of its range the eider is a protected species, and the eider duck was the first bird ever to have such a status, as a colony on the Farne Islands off Northumberland was given protection by St Cuthbert as long ago as the year 676! The eider is still known as “Cuddy’s duck” in that region, Cuddy being a familiar form of Cuthbert.
St Cuthbert’s interest would have been to ensure supplies of down which for centuries was used to stuff pillows and other bedding, specifically “eiderdowns”. Very little genuine eider down is harvested these days, although it can be gathered very easily from abandoned nests and does not involve harming the birds.
Despite their protected status, eiders are on the amber list of species whose future is a cause for concern.
Appearance
The eider is 55-61 centimetres (about 23 inches) in length, and is the UK’s heaviest duck. The eyes are set well back in the head, which is wedged-shaped, sloping in a straight line from the top of the head to the end of the bill.
Male eiders have white upperparts and breast (tinged with pink) with black flanks, belly, rump and tail. The crown of the head is black (divided by a white stripe from front to back) and there is a green patch on the back of the head. The wings, which are short and broad, are mainly black except at the front. This colouring refers to males in the breeding season. Between July and November they moult and appear in their “eclipse” plumage which is much less distinctive as the white areas become largely black-brown with buff mottling.
Female eiders are cinnamon-brown with darker mottling and barring. Their plumage is darker during the eclipse period, which for female eiders lasts from August to March.
Behaviour
The eider is the fastest flyer among UK ducks, the flight being strong and direct, often low across the water in single file. Take-off is laboured. On land they walk upright with a slow, waddling gait. They are rarely found far from the sea, but can be seen resting on sand-banks and rocks, especially in spring and autumn.
Male eiders have a call that might be described as a “Frankie Howerd ooh”, whereas female eiders make a guttural sound that could be mistaken for a fishing boat in the distance.
Eiders feed mainly on molluscs, particularly mussels, which makes them unpopular with mussel fishermen. Other food includes worms, starfish and fish. They will feed from the surface, upending as they do so, or dive to depths of up to six metres.
Breeding
Eiders nest in colonies, often numbering hundreds or even thousands of pairs. Nests are built among rocks or in secluded places hidden by driftwood or under bushes. Small twigs are used, as are leaves, seaweed and small pebbles. Large quantities of down are added to the nest only after the eggs are laid. Young females will lay only two or three eggs, but in later seasons may lay as many as nine.
The female incubates alone, for up to 28 days, and will lead the ducklings to the water virtually as soon as they are dry, which could be as little as five hours after hatching. The young birds grow quickly, being able to fly at about 70 days and are at full size by 90 days. Only one brood is raised.
© John
Welford
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