Date: 1/4/26 3:45 pm From: Laura Peskin <thenaturegurl...> Subject: [Ohio-birds] scientific question about Common Eider bird RECORDS (no sighting)
I don't bird in winter, tried doing so but nearly froze it all off. This is an unusual question type for the more scientific among you about bird sex and migration. A perusal of bird records both on eBird and off eBird (eg. Cleveland Bird Calendar via Sora) reveal that of the about 10 sightings of Common Eider in our area in the last 100 years, 90% of the individuals observed were female. Why? I did read that female Common Eiders use a migration route through the Great Lakes, while males tend to migrate more coastally. I don't understand why that is. Maybe you can help.
I've read that differential flyways between male/ female conspecifics could relate to differential size between these males and females. I also read that shorter flyways may be needed by the sex with more breeding competition. I have no idea whether either of these situations apply to the Common Eider. I have consulted several sources (books, articles) but thus far have no answers.
Please if you do answer, could you also provide an information source like a book, article or website? I am using the info. for a presentation, and will surely add Ohio Birds and any individuals providing info, with their permission, to the acknowledgements.
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