Eiders the fastest? (1 Viewer)

[Jamspangle]

I wonder if you could settle a dispute for me. I have been told that Eider ducks are the fastest bird in the world in level flight. I have read various conflicting things in different books regarding this and cannot say if my friend is right or not so i thought i'd turn it over to you. Also, i have to give a short presentation on eider ducks soon entitled 'eider ducks are brilliant because....'. I have worked with them in the past so i know a few cool things about them - but could anyone suggest any more??

much appreciated - Jamie

 

[Capercaillie71]

Jamie

I have heard the same thing - see this post that I made a while back:

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=498277&postcount=6

Unfortunately I really can't remember much about the programme where I saw this.

 

[Frogbad]

The RSPB guide says:

It is the UK's heaviest duck, and also its fastest flying.

The BBC say:

Because of its concorde-like front end and powerful, ergonomically-shaped wings and body, researchers concluded that, if it wanted to, the humble eider could be the fastest flying bird on the planet. Eiders, on the other hand, are more interested in using those turbo-changed wings to help them pursue food under water.

 

[christineredgate]

They certainly seem to be the fastest swimming bird in our bay when I am trying to take a digiscope shot of them.They swim from a-b at a terrific rate of knots!!!!

 

[Capercaillie71]

I have worked with them in the past so i know a few cool things about them - but could anyone suggest any more??

I once flushed an eider off its nest on Ronas hill in Shetland. The nest was 2.5km from the sea and at an altitude of over 200 metres above sea level. That's some journey for the ducklings to make when they hatch!

 

[The Barn Owl]

I think that the world's fastest bird in level flight is regularly regarded as the spine-tailed swift. The Guinness Book of Record says so, which means it must be right! Unfortunately I know nothing else of the species
Sam