Eider

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Somateria mollissima -WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, England -male-8a

Common eider female at Jones Beach (04713)

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King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (13667959444)

King Eider female RWD5

San Diego Zoo 40 2016-05-13

Eider refers to any of the large ducks in the genus Somateria, known for their soft, insulating feathers which are highly prized as eiderdown. These birds are predominantly found in the colder northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are notable for their distinctive appearance, with males typically displaying bold black and white plumage during the breeding season, while females and non-breeding males have more subdued coloration.

Description

Eiders are characterized by their large size and heavy build. They have a unique body shape among ducks, with a long, sloping forehead and a large, wedge-shaped bill. The most well-known species within this genus is the Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), which is the largest duck found in the Northern Hemisphere. Eiders are excellent divers and feed mainly on crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins found on the ocean floor.

Habitat and Distribution

Eiders inhabit coastal marine environments, including Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They prefer areas with cold water, using their exceptional diving ability to forage for food. During the breeding season, eiders nest in colonies on islands or remote coastal areas, laying their eggs in shallow depressions lined with eiderdown plucked from the female's breast.

Eiderdown Harvesting

Eiderdown is considered one of the warmest and lightest natural insulators, making it highly valuable. Traditionally, communities in Iceland, Norway, and other parts of the eider's range have harvested eiderdown with sustainable methods that do not harm the birds. These practices involve collecting down from nests while ensuring the safety and well-being of the eiders, a relationship that has also led to the protection of eider colonies by humans.

Conservation

While some eider populations are stable, others face threats from habitat loss, oil spills, and overharvesting of marine resources. Conservation efforts for eiders include habitat protection, research, and monitoring programs to better understand their ecology and threats. International cooperation is crucial for the conservation of migratory species like the eider, which cross borders in their annual migrations.

Cultural Significance

Eiders have held cultural significance for many northern communities, both as a source of valuable eiderdown and in local folklore and traditions. The relationship between humans and eiders, particularly in the context of sustainable down harvesting, is a remarkable example of coexistence with wildlife.