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The
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) is a large sea duck,
which is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe,
North America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in Arctic
and some northern temperate regions, but winters somewhat
further south in temperate zones, when it can form large
flocks on suitable coastal waters. The nest is built close
to the sea, and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown,
plucked from the female's breast. This soft and warm lining
was (and in some areas, still is) harvested for filling
pillows and quilts, but has been largely replaced by down
from domestic farm geese, and synthetic alternatives.
The harvest is sustainable, as it can be done after the
ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. It
is characterised by its bulky shape and large wedge-shaped
bill. the male is unmistakable with its black-and-white
plumage and green nape. |
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The
female is a brown bird, but can still be readily distinguished
from all ducks except other eider species on size and
head shape. This duck's call is a pleasant "ah-ooo",
described as being "like a bunch of gossipy old women,
expressing surprise". This species is often readily
approachable. Drakes of the European, eastern North American
and Asia/western North American races can be distinguished
by minor plumage and bill colour differences. This species
dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being
a favoured food. A particularly famous colony of Eiders
is the one on the Farne Islands in Northumberland, Britain.
These birds were the subject of the first ever bird protection
laws, brought in by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676. About
1,000 pairs still nest there every year. |
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