eider
Somateria mollisima

Large stocky seaduck with steep flat forehead

Habitat: sea and estuaries

Resident along northern coasts of Britain; winter visitor elsewhere

Male: mainly white and black above with long sloping forehead; female is brown and buff finely barred

Forms small flocks on coastal waters where birds dive to feed

Eats crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates; flight very powerful and direct

Nest is a lined hollow on island,coast or river; breeds N. Scotland and N. Ireland

1 Brood May – June ; 4-6 eggs greenish