Common Eider song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Common Eider, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Males produce a distinctive, soft, cooing 'ah-ooooh' or 'coo-roo-ooo' call during courtship, often described as a 'song'. This sound is surprisingly gentle for such a large duck.

Calls

Females have a harsh, guttural 'garr-garr-garr' or 'karr-karr-karr' call, especially when alarmed or with ducklings. Both sexes may emit low grunts or growls.

When they vocalize

Males vocalize most frequently during the breeding season and courtship. Females call when disturbed or communicating with their young.

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