Likely Common Eider (also Eider), based on the dark brown flight feather and coastal Swedish location; identification is tentative.

A large sea duck of northern coasts, the Common Eider has a heavy body and distinctive wedge-shaped bill; adult males are boldly black-and-white, females mottled brown. This specimen is a dark, elongated flight feather, but the image does not establish species securely.

Uniform dark chocolate-brown to nearly black vane with subtle lighter edging; shaft pale ivory. This could be a female/juvenile-type feather, but color varies and is not conclusive.

Compact, interlocking pennaceous barbs; several basal barbs appear loose or separated. No obvious aftershaft is visible.

Long, pale, sturdy rachis with closely packed dark barbs and slight curvature; the vane is confined mainly to one side in the image.

Smooth, matte-to-slightly glossy, and firm, with a worn or separated basal area.

Probably wing flight feather, inferred from the firm, elongated vane and exposed shaft.

Long dark vane, pale shaft, and reported 31.8 cm length fit a large waterbird flight feather. Color and shape alone cannot confirm eider over other large birds.

Common Eiders favor marine coasts, islands, and shallow bays; they nest on low coastal ground and forage by diving for shellfish.

North Atlantic and Arctic coasts, including Scandinavia; many populations are resident or shift locally, while some move south in winter.

A coastal diving predator that influences shellfish communities and supports marine food webs; populations face pressures from bycatch, pollution, habitat disturbance, and changing climate.

Large gulls, cormorants, and other sea ducks can have dark flight feathers. Gull feathers often show pale tips or spots; a feather’s exact pattern and measurements are needed to distinguish them.

Eiders dive for mussels and other shellfish, swallowing prey whole; their exceptionally warm down has long been collected from nests.

Eiderdown has a long history as valuable insulation and is still gathered sustainably in some regions. Wild bird feathers may be legally regulated; avoid selling or transporting unidentified specimens.

Record exact length, both sides, and the tip/base pattern; compare with regional feather guides or a museum collection. Near Malmö, check beaches and coastal wetlands, but do not infer species from location alone.

Basal barbs appear loosened and the shaft tip is exposed; otherwise reasonably intact. Condition: Good; age and cause of wear cannot be determined.

Found in field near Malmo, Sweden. 12.5” in length.