The Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) belongs to the family Anatidae which includes Ducks, Geese and Swans.
Length. 23-27 inches
Habitat. Rocky seacoasts.
Nesting. Nest is a hollow lined with plant matter and large amounts of down, usually not concealed. Eggs usually 3-5, brown or greenish. Incubation 24-27 days, by female only. Young downy, leave nest soon after hatching; first fly at about 8 weeks. Often nests in colonies
Food. mollusks, crustaceans, starfish and fish.
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Taxonomic Hierarchy
- Order: Anseriformes
Ducks, Geese, Screamers, Swans, Waterfowl
- Family: Anatidae
Ducks, Geese, Swans
- Genus: Somateria
Greater Eiders, Typical Eiders
- Species: Somateria mollissima
Common Eider
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