European Eider.
European Eider ducks are a widely under-rated local duck with a wonderous lifestyle and distinct specialities.
They can often be found in coastal off shore areas in the northern UK during the breeding season, and as far south as the Welsh coast during the winter. On very rare occasions they have been seen at WWT Slimbridge moving across from the south to the washes. Despite being the largest british duck they are also the fastest flying; achieving rumoured speeds of up to 70mph and making a distinct silhouette against the sky. They feed on shellfish and crustaceans, with mussels making up the majority foodstuff in their diet. These relatively impenetrable shells are swallowed whole, where their powerful gizzards manage to digest the contents. This lifestyle has often brought them into conflict with man, and their approachable natures make them vulnerable to interference. Despite this, Eider have been readily protected over the years and the collection of their down is protected and sustainable; allowing the bird to leave the nest with her young before collection.
At Slimbridge we have increased our numbers of Eider over the last 3 years as the species was removed from the Big pen exhibit and into the Barnacle island exhibit. We now display close to 100 birds, and they make a truly brilliant spectacle through December to June as their breeding plumage is like no other. The male achieves a depth of colour and texture that is just out of this world; with a spearmint green scalp and upper mandible and a jet black brow so soft and dense that it looks like pure velvet. The front of his breast beneath his chin turns a rich buff pink, and his whole head and neck seem to swell with testosterone so as to look as large and imposing as possible. That is not to say however that the females are drab... They may retain brown plumage all year round, but in the season their feathers seem to suck in the sun as that they virtually shine with an irridescent mahogany sheen. The joy of an Eider however is in their overall aspect; that cheeky cocked-eyed charm that they exude at every stage of life. It is the mellow call of "awh whooo" that is throaty and romantic, and the deep chatty grumbles they emit as they stomp around on their big tree trunk legs and monstrous feet!
For the first time in what feels like forever, they are not at the top of our priority breeding list. This means that sadly their shan't be as many gorgeous balls of fluff in the duckery this year. Just in case then, here's a little reminder.
