Common Eider
Somateria mollissima
The Common Eider is the largest duck in the northern hemisphere; an adult weighs 1300–2660 grams (2.8–5.9 lbs) and is 50–71 cm (20–28 in.) long. Males are somewhat larger than females; size varies among races. The eider is a heavy-bodied sea duck with a relatively short, stout neck and a distinctive long, triangular (wedge-shaped) bill. There are four identified subspecies of Common Eider in North America.
Species Knowledge Summary and Information Needs
Common Eider Range Maps
More Information, Publications, and Proceedings
Article about American Common Eider research – Dec 2021
American Common Eider Range-Wide, Full Annual Cycle Telemetry Project
Wellfleet Bay Virus Workshop (American Common Eider), June 2014 – abstracts (pdf)
Wellfleet Bay Virus Workshop (American Common Eider), October 2015 – abstracts (pdf)
Duvetnor – Common Eiders and eider down harvest in Quebec
Article about common eider satellite telemetry on Rhode Island coast