Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Common Eider
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Somateria mollissima
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Voice
Call
How to recognize it
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50–71 cm long; a large, stocky duck
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Adult male: white upperparts, black underparts and crown, greenish nape
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Female: brown, with numerous black streaks on the back
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Flight low over wave crests, with deep, steady wingbeats
About the species
The Common Eider changes sharply with sex: the male is mostly white above and black below, with a soft pink wash across the chest. A black cap and green nape mark its white head. Its broad, wedge-shaped bill blends into the forehead. The female is brown, with dark bars and flecks that show most clearly across her back.
At sea, it rides out rough water and flies low over the wave tops with deep, steady wingbeats. In the breeding season, males give a low, drawn-out "ah-ooo" and females make hoarse quacks. Outside that season, they are usually quiet.
It stays close to northern coasts, nesting in colonies on rocky shores and small islands. It dives in shallow coastal water for mussels and other molluscs, as well as crabs and other crustaceans. When ice closes in, many move to open waters farther south, while others stay where the sea remains unfrozen; outside the breeding season, they gather in large flocks.
Where to find
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In winter, look for large flocks riding the waves on coastal waters at their wintering grounds.
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By shallow marine shores, watch for dives to the seabed, where Common Eiders take mussels and other molluscs.
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On rocky coastal islands during the breeding season, look for colonies close to the water — nests are on the ground, no more than half a kilometre from the sea.
