Common Eider

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) is in the Ducks, Geese, and Swans family (Anatidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 11,451 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in January.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.

When to photograph Common Eider: observations by month (U.S.)

About Common Eider

The common eider (pronounced /ˈaɪ.dər/) (Somateria mollissima) is a large (50–71 cm (20–28 in) in body length) sea-duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, North America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in Arctic and some northern temperate regions, but winters somewhat farther south in temperate zones, when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. It can fly at speeds up to 113 km/h (70 mph).From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Common Eider by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)

MallardAnas platyrhynchos

Canada GooseBranta canadensis

Wood DuckAix sponsa

Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeata

BuffleheadBucephala albeola

American WigeonMareca americana

Hooded MerganserLophodytes cucullatus

Ring-necked DuckAythya collaris

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ