Eider
Somateria mollissima
Length 50-70cm

Distinctive and attractive seaduck with large, wedge-shaped bill forming continuous line with slope of forehead. Male (A) has mainly black underparts and white upperparts except for black cap, lime green on nape and pinkish flush on breast. Female (B) brown and barred. Immatures and moulting adults variably black and white. Found mainly on rocky shores where mussels and other molluscs common. In summer, females often accompanied by 'creche' of youngsters. Breeds mainly in Scotland, NE England and N Ireland. In winter, range extends further S.