THE EIDER DUCK. 



Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 50. 



This truly marine duck, famed on account of the down provided by the female, 

 with which she surrounds her eggs, is in England only known as a breeding 

 species on the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands, where it is known as 

 St. Cuthbert's Duck, being its chief stronghold. In winter it appears off-shore 

 in other parts of England, but only in small numbers in the south and west. 

 In Scotland the Eider is much more plentiful, nesting freely along the coasts, 

 and especially in the Orkneys, Shetlands, and Outer and Inner Hebrides, whilst 

 in winter many arrive from the Continent of Europe. It is recorded as having 

 bred for the first time in Ireland in 191 2. 



The Eider is widely spread over Northern Europe, in localities which suit 

 its sea-loving habits, inhabiting also the islands of the Arctic Ocean, Iceland, and 

 the Faeroes, but in winter many move southwards to more temperate regions. It 

 breeds in northern Siberia, as far east as the Yenisei, other forms of the same 

 species being found in Greenland, eastern and western North America, and North- 

 east Asia. 



The nest, composed of pieces of dead grass, sea-weed, or heather, is usually 

 situated near the water in some depression in the ground among stones, or in a 

 clump of marine vegetation, the warm lining of down, plucked from the breast and 

 abdomen of the female, being added about the time the first clutch of eggs is 

 completed. These, generally four or five in number, vary somewhat in colour, but 

 are usually of a pale olive. 



According to Millais {British Diving Dticks), Eiders in swimming and diving 

 " are surpassed by no other species of diving ducks, being capable of holding their 

 own in the roughest water, and diving to a great depth for food. It has been 

 proved that they can take their food regularly at a depth of 25 to 35 feet and more 

 without inconvenience." 



The common salt-water mussel appears to be their favourite food, but various 

 other shell-fish and Crustacea are sought after and obtained on the bottom of the 

 sea. In Scandinavian countries the bird is strictly protected on account of its 

 valuable down, which is superior to that of other ducks. 



The male Eider takes a long time before coming to maturity, the rich black and 

 creamy-white plumage not being fully assumed until the third year. 



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