Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Male in Summer Plumage
~ 1828
About this artwork
This detailed ornithological illustration depicts a male Common Eider in its summer plumage, rendered with precision to highlight the distinctive features of the species for identification purposes. The bird stands prominently on a rock, set against a plain background.
Did you know?
The Common Eider is renowned for its remarkably soft and insulating down, which has been collected for centuries to create luxurious bedding and outerwear. Unlike most down, eiderdown is sustainably harvested from abandoned nests after the ducklings have hatched, ensuring no harm comes to the birds. This unique relationship between humans and eiders highlights the species' enduring value and its integral role in northern ecosystems.
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Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Male in Summer Plumage
Wihelm Wright, ~ 1828
