The common eider is a fascinating duck species found in Norway, particularly in coastal areas.

Common Eider males are easily recognizable by their striking plumage, featuring a black head, white body, and greenish nape. Females, on the other hand, are mottled brown, which provides excellent camouflage while nesting.

Both sexes have a distinctive, broad bill, which is adapted for their diet of mollusks and other marine organisms

-Eiders are diving ducks that primarily feed on shellfish, crabs, and sea urchins. They dive to significant depths to find food, often using their sensitive bill to detect prey.

-These ducks are social birds, often seen in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season.

Female eiders are known for their unique nesting habits. They build their nests using down feathers plucked from their own bodies, which provides insulation for the eggs. Females typically lay between 4 to 6 eggs. After hatching, the ducklings are led to water shortly after and are capable of diving and foraging for food almost immediately.

In Norway, eider down is highly valued for making warm clothing and bedding. Harvesting down is a traditional practice, wherein the down is collected carefully without disturbing the nests.