Eider

Name: Eider

Scientific name: Somateria mollissima

Category: Birds

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: A large sea duck. Eider nest colonially around the coasts of northern Britain, as far south as Walney Island in Cumbria. Once hatched, the chicks gather together into a large 'creche', with several females taking care of them. Eider feed on crustaceans an

How to identify: The male Eider is a black and white duck, with a beautiful pale green patch at the back of the head. Females are greyish brown with delicate barring.

Where: A common nesting bird around coasts of Scotland and northern England, winters right round the coast.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 50
• Agility: 40
• Rarity: 50
• Cute factor: 40
• Traveller: 80

Fantastic fact: Eider nests are traditionally harvested, after the eggs have hatched and the chicks have left the nest, for their eider down, which is used to stuff pillows and quilts.

Photograph credit: tbc