Common Eider photo by Rudolf Koes
How do I recognize it?
Common Eider is our largest duck. Males in breeding plumage are mostly white, with black flanks, tail, flight feathers and crown. It has a pale green nape and creamy breast. Depending on race, the bill is either orange or green. Females show an intricate pattern of greyish-brown barred with black; their bills are blackish.
Common Eiders, photo by Rudolf Koes
Does it migrate?
The race that breeds in the Hudson Bay Lowlands (sedentaria) does migrate, but unlike other species of bird, it actually moves into Hudson Bay to winter, rather than flying south. There it gathers in areas of open water, called polynyas, which are created by upwelling currents, most of which are found west of the Belcher Islands. There are less than a handful of records of this race in the south. The few Common Eiders that have been found in the south of the province have belonged to the western race, V-nigrum.
Where does it live?
In Manitoba the species is found along the Hudson Bay coast, where it is quite common.
Common Eiders, photo by Rudolf Koes
Where can I see it?
The best place to see this bird is along Hudson Bay, particularly in the Churchill area. Here it breeds on tundra ponds not too far inland and flies to the Bay to feed. Large numbers usually gather in the mouth of the Churchill River at Cape Merry.
Conservation Status.
Classified as Least Concern, the Common Eider’s future may however be affected by climate change.
Did you know?
While Common Eiders in Manitoba are solitary breeders, in other parts of the world, such as the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and Iceland, they may nest colonially. Here locals often gather the down from nests, which is used to create very expensive coats and jackets, most of which are sold in Germany.
Written by Rudolf Koes