Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

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Brief #

Male is unmistakable, with its black and white plumage and green nape.

Synonyms #

  • Eider común (Spanish)
  • Éider (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Common Eider is close to being at high risk of extinction in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Characterized by its bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable, with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female is a brown bird, but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks, except other eider species, on the basis of size and head shape.

Measurements #

Length: 50 - 71 cm
Wingspan: 0.8 - 1.08 m
Weight: 1.2 - 2.8 kg

Similar species #