Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

The Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) is a large sea duck known for its distinctive beak and striking plumage, often found in the cold coastal waters of the northern hemisphere. Renowned for its dense, insulating down, this species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem and is a favorite among birdwatchers along the St. Lawrence River.

🇫🇷	Eider à duvet
🇩🇪	Eiderente
🇲🇽	Eider común

Taxonomy

Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae

ID and Whereabouts

The Common Eider can be easily identified by its distinctive beak shape, which is a prominent feature of this species.

The Common Eider is frequently observed along the St. Lawrence River. These birds are typically found in flocks, gracefully floating away from the shores. They are known to take flight when a boat approaches, offering a spectacular sight for birdwatchers.

Location	Spring	Summer	Autumn	Winter
Parc National du Bic	x	-	-	-

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Characteristics

Length	50-71cm
Weight	0.81-3.04kg
Wingspan	50-110cm
Clutch Size	1-6 eggs
Incubation	24-26 days
Fledging	30-50 days
Sexual Maturity	2-3 years

Explore More

📖 For more information about this species: Wikipedia Page