Eider Duck

Class: Birds

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Weight: 1.2–2 kg (males), 1–1.8 kg (females)

Height: 50–60 cm, wingspan 85–100 cm

Coloration: The eider duck, also known as the sea duck, has a robust build and striking plumage adapted for life in harsh conditions. Males are brightly colored during the breeding season: their head and neck are a rich black with a metallic sheen, the chest and upper body are dark brown, while the lower body is lighter. Their bill is large, orange-yellow, with a characteristic bump at the base. Females have more subdued brown plumage with spots, which helps them blend in while nesting.
Sexual maturity: 2–3 years

Breeding period: 26–30 days

Lifespan: Up to 12–15 years in the wild

Habitat: The eider duck is found in the coastal zones of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. It is distributed in northern Europe, Asia, and North America, preferring to nest on tundra coastlines or rocky islands. During the winter, these ducks migrate to temperate coastal regions, particularly in the northern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Diet: Eiders primarily feed on mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, and seaweeds. With their powerful bills, they can forage from the seabed, diving to depths of up to 20 meters. During winter, their diet may also include carrion.

Did you know? • The eider duck is renowned for its ability to survive in extremely low temperatures, thanks to its dense feathers and thick layer of subcutaneous fat.
• These birds can spend most of their time in the water, even in the harsh conditions of Arctic ice storms.
• Eiders are known for their loud, distinctive call, which sounds like “kai-kai,” and this is how they got their name.
• During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, making sounds and swimming around the females.