Eider

Eiders are large sea ducks belonging to the genus Somateria. Their name derives from Ancient Greek words for "body" and "wool" a nod to their renowned eiderdown feathers. These ducks thrive in the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Eiderdown feathers are highly prized and commonly used in pillows and quilts, hence the term "eiderdown" for such items. Although Steller's eider shares a similar name, it actually belongs to a different genus.

Interestingly, the call of an eider has been humorously likened to the sounds made by "surprised pantomime dames" or even the comedian Frankie Howerd.

Historically, two fossil species of eiders have been discovered. One species hails from the Middle Oligocene rocks in Kazakhstan, while the other is from Late Miocene or Early Pliocene deposits in the United States. However, there is ongoing debate about whether the Kazakhstan fossil truly belongs to the genus Somateria.