About Common Eider
The common eider is one of Iceland’s most important and well-known seabirds.
It inhabits coastal areas and islands where it breeds in large colonies. The
species is famous for its soft down, which has been harvested for centuries.
Its diet consists mainly of shellfish and crustaceans. Common eiders dive for
food in shallow coastal waters. They are an integral part of Iceland’s
coastal culture.
Habitat
Coastlines and islands
Diet
Mussels, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and small fish.
Nesting habitat
Open areas near the sea, islands and coastal habitats.
Identification
A large stocky sea duck. The male is black and white with a pale green nape, while the female is mottled brown.
Distribution
Common around the entire Icelandic coast, breeding widely in eider colonies and on islands.
Interesting facts
Eiderdown is one of Iceland’s most valuable natural products.