Conservation and welfare of eider ducks in UK coastal and marine habitats.
Key Facts
Eiders breed in northern Scotland and on some northern islands
Males have striking black and white plumage with green neck patches
Females line nests with soft eiderdown plucked from their own breast
Eider populations face threats from marine pollution and food availability changes
UK hosts internationally important numbers of wintering eiders in northern coastal waters
Welfare Considerations
Individual eider ducks depend on productive coastal marine habitats free from pollution and disturbance, with marine conservation directly supporting their welfare.
What You Can Do
Support marine conservation organisations protecting coastal habitats
Advocate for marine protected area designation in key eider habitat
Record eider sightings to assist population monitoring in Scottish waters