EIDER DUCK . — Somateria mollissima. 
In the southern parts of England the Eider Duck is only a winter visitant, 
but remains throughout the year in the more northern portions of our island, and 
in the north of Scotland. 
This bird is widely celebrated on account of the exquisitely soft and bright 
down which the parent plucks from its breast and lays over the eggs during the 
process of incubation. Taking these nests is with some a regular business, not 
devoid of risk, on account of the precipitous localities in which the Eider Duck 
often breeds. The nest is made of fine seaweeds, and after the mother-bird has 
laid her complement of eggs she covers them with the soft down, adding to the 
heap daily until she completely hides them from view. 
The plan usually adopted is to remove both eggs and down, when the female 
lays another set of eggs and covers them with fresh down. These are again 
taken, and then the male is obliged to give his help by taking down from his 
own breast, and supplying the place of that which was stolen. The down of the 
male bird is pale coloured, and as soon as it is seen in the nest, the eggs and 
down are left untouched in order to keep up the breed. 
The Eider is a shy retiring bird, placing its nest on islands and rocks 
projecting well into the sea. It is an admirable diver, its legs being set very far 
back, and obtains much of its food by gathering it under water. 
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