King Eider
NameKing Eider
Common NameKing Eider
Scientific NameSomateria spectabilis
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)86
Length (cm)58
Weight (g)1600
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a distinctive pale blue-gray head with a prominent orange frontal shield on the bill, bordered by black and green patches. Their body is largely black with a white breast and a white patch on the back. Females are mottled brown with a smaller bill shield.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a soft, cooing 'hoo-hoo-hooo' call, often described as dove-like. Females have a harsh, guttural 'karr-karr-karr' or growling call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsarctic tundra, coastal waters, marine, rocky shores
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the high Arctic regions of North America, Greenland, Europe, and Asia. Winters in subarctic marine waters, including the Bering Sea, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea.
Identifying Featuresmale's pale blue-gray head, large orange bill shield on male, male's black body with white breast and back patch, stocky build, diving behavior
Description
The King Eider is a large sea duck known for its striking appearance, especially the male. These birds are strong divers, foraging for invertebrates on the seafloor in cold northern waters. They are highly migratory, moving between Arctic breeding grounds and subarctic wintering areas.
