Eider Identification
Eiders are a large, heavily built, duck with a distinctive wedge shaped beak and long sloping forehead
(Eider head details taken from images by Tom Cadwallender. Note the wedge-shaped bill and sloping forehead)
Males in particular are easily spotted with their white and black colouring, black cap and greenish neck markings. They also have a distinctive cooing call.
Male eider. Note the black and white colouration, black cap and greenish markings on the neck (Photo: Tom Cadwallender)
Female eiders are a reddish-brown colour with distinctive black barring on the feathers.
Female eider with brown feathers and distinctive black barring on feathers (Photo: Tom Cadwallender)