Eider
Outside the breeding season, the eider a sea duck is found mainly in our sheltered coastal waters, sometimes in flocks of several hundred birds.
Eider is a widely distributed breeding species around Scotland’s shores. Outside the breeding season, it is mainly found in sheltered coastal waters, sometimes in flocks of several hundred birds.
Nesting eiders in Scotland are at risk from:
- predation by the American mink and fox
- disturbance by dog walkers
The eider’s fondness for shellfish has sometimes brought the species into conflict with mussel farmers.
Male and female eider ducks (Somateria mollissima).
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©Lorne Gill.
Protection of eider
Find out how Scotland’s wild birds are protected.
Learn about birds and licensing.
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