Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameSomateria mollissima FamilySwans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) OverviewThe UK's heaviest duck, and its fastest flying. It is a true seaduck, rarely found away from coasts where its dependence on coastal molluscs for food has brought it into conflict with mussel farmers. Eiders are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore, riding the swell in a sandy bay or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. It is an Amber List species because of its winter concentrations. Where to see themIn the breeding season, eiders are best looked for from the Northumberland coast northwards and off the west coast of Scotland. They are found in the same areas in winter and also further south on the Yorkshire coast and around the east and south coast as far a Cornwall. Befast Lough is a N Ireland stronghold and some are also found off the Welsh coast. When to see themAll year round in breeding areas. On coasts to the south of the breeding range, birds can be seen from autumn and stay there for the winter. What they eatShellfish, especially mussels. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
|---|
| - | 31,650 pairs | 80,000 birds | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
- In the UK
- Coasts of Scotland, N England and N Ireland (breeding); other coasts (winter)
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out more
Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |