King Eider
NameKing Eider
Common NameKing Eider
Scientific NameSomateria spectabilis
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)94
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)1700
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a distinctive pale grey head with a prominent orange frontal shield on the bill, bordered by black. They feature a green patch on the cheek, a white breast, and a black back with white wing patches. Females are mottled brown.
Vocalization / CallMales produce soft, cooing calls, particularly during courtship. Females have a low, guttural croak.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsarctic tundra, coastal marine, open sea
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCircumpolar Arctic, breeding on tundra near freshwater ponds and wintering in ice-free coastal marine waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Identifying Featureslarge size, male's distinctive orange frontal shield on bill, male's pale grey head with green cheek patch, male's white breast and black back, heavy-bodied sea duck
Description
The King Eider is a large sea duck known for its striking appearance, especially the male. These birds are strong divers, foraging for marine invertebrates in cold Arctic waters. They typically breed in tundra ponds and migrate to ice-free coastal areas for winter.
