Steller's Eider
NameSteller's Eider
Common NameSteller's Eider
Scientific NamePolysticta stelleri
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)72.5
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)775
Plumage DetailsMales have a striking white head with a prominent black eye patch and a small green tuft on the nape. They feature a black collar, white chest and flanks, a buffy-orange patch on the breast, and a black back and tail. The wings are blue-black with distinctive white leading and trailing edges.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a soft, cooing 'coo-coo-coo' or 'garr-garr-garr' call, often described as a growl or purr. Females have a harsh 'karr-karr-karr'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, tundra
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds along the Arctic coasts of Siberia and Alaska. Winters along the coasts of the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and northern Pacific.
Identifying FeaturesMale's white head with black eye patch, Green tuft on nape (male), Buffy-orange breast patch (male), Blue-black wings with white edges (male), Small size for an eider
Description
The Steller's Eider is a small sea duck known for its distinctive male plumage. It is a diving duck that forages for marine invertebrates in shallow coastal waters of arctic and subarctic regions.
