Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The Eider is listed as a ‘Near
Threatened’ species according to the last IUCN Red List assessment in 2018.
Additionally, the population trend is unknown.
Species Biology
Identification
The Eider is a large species of
duck with a thick, short neck and long, angular bill.
The males are quite conspicuous
with white upperparts and a black belly as well as a black crown and a muted
green patch on the side of the face and neck.
The females are less prominent in
appearance with a mottled brown body.
The Eider stands at 50-71 cm in length with a wingspan of 80-108 cm and a weight range of 1.2-2.8 kg.
Diet
This diving species typically
feeds on animal material such as molluscs and crustaceans.
Habitat
Suitable nesting habitat includes
offshore inlets where the risk of predators is greatly reduced.
Eider will typically be found
along the seacoast or lakes close to the shore.
Reproduction
During the breeding season, this
species lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, each weighing approximately 110 grams, and
will incubate these eggs for a period of 25-28 days.
The young fledge after 65-75
days.
A typical wild Eider will live
for around fourteen years, with breeding occurring at three years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Eider is resident along north
and north western Ireland where it is locally abundant but is not found further
south.
Winter sees a slight increase in
species numbers due to visitors but the large majority of individuals are still
found along the northern coast.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/eider/
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/eider/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob2060.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680405/132525971