Common Eider
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae
HabitatCoastal
RangeN. Hemisphere
Length60 cm
Wingspan95 cm
Weight2000 g
DietCarnivore
About the Common Eider
The source of eiderdown, the famous insulating lining plucked by females from their own breasts. Colonies nest on Arctic islands, males standing guard while females incubate. Mollusks and crabs are crushed by powerful gizzard muscles. Careful down harvesting in Iceland protects both birds and nests.
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