Common Eider
Somateria mollissima
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<birdfyi-bird slug="somateria-mollissima"></birdfyi-bird>The Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 56 cm and a weight of 2 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Near Threatened.
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À propos
The heaviest duck in the Northern Hemisphere (~2 kg), family Anatidae. Breeds colonially on rocky coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and Arctic. Dives for mussels and crustaceans in shallow marine waters. Females line nests with insulating down. Near Threatened due to recent declines in parts of its range from hunting and pollution.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 56,0 cm | 22.0 in |
| Poids | 2042,8333333333333 g | 72.06 oz |
Habitat & Range
Répartition géographique
Breeds on Arctic and subarctic coasts from the North Atlantic to the Pacific. Winters along coasts of northwestern Europe and eastern North America.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for blue mussels, clams, and crustaceans in shallow coastal waters. Swallows shellfish whole and crushes them in the gizzard.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 23-30 days. Fledging: 60-75 days.
Taille de la couvée
2-7
Son
Chant
Male produces a loud, resonant ah-WOOO cooing; female gives a deep, guttural quacking series. The male's iconic moaning call echoes across North Atlantic coastlines; a classic seaduck sound.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Famille | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Somateria |
| Espèces | Somateria mollissima |
Distribution
Common Eider has been recorded in 6 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Common Eider eat?
Where does the Common Eider live?
Is the Common Eider endangered?
How does the Common Eider nest?
What does the Common Eider sound like?
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What order and family does the Common Eider belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family