The Eider Duck — Somateria Mollissima (Linnæus)
This exclusively Sea-Duck is not uncommon from Northumberland northwards, where it is resident, and breeds in all suitable localities; but over the rest of our coasts it is rare, and only met with occasionally.
In food and habits it calls for no special comment. The nest is placed usually on low rocky islets among the herbage or in crevices of the rocks, but it is sometimes found at considerable distances from the water and often at some height above the sea. Five is the usual number in a clutch, the eggs being large, somewhat pointed, and greenish grey in colour. This bird is famous for the down with which its nest is lined, and on this account is stringently protected in many places abroad. The first two nests are generally taken, the Duck being allowed to hatch her third clutch unmolested.
The Drakes are extremely handsome birds. The head and neck are black, with the exception of a white line running backwards from the crown to the nape, which is green. The cheeks, back wing coverts, and long sickle-shaped secondaries (characteristic of the Eider Ducks) white. Wings, rump, and tail black; breast warm buff. Rest of under parts black. Bill and legs greenish. In the “eclipse” plumage the whole of the head and white portions of the body (except the wing coverts) become dull brownish black. The female is rufous buff, with darker bars. Length 23 in.; wing 11 in.