King Eider
Somateria spectabilis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="somateria-spectabilis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large sea duck (~1.5 kg) of the family Anatidae, males adorned with an ornate orange frontal shield and vivid plumage. Inhabits Arctic coasts and tundra, migrating to subarctic seas in winter. Dives up to 25 m to forage on mussels, clams, and sea urchins. Least Concern; circumpolar breeding population remains stable.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 53.3 cm | 21.0 in |
| Weight | 1507.5 g | 53.18 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male has bluish-grey crown, pale greenish cheeks, vivid orange-red frontal shield, black back and wings, and white breast patch. Female is warm rufous-brown with dark crescentic barring throughout.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Circumpolar High Arctic breeder in North America, Greenland, Svalbard, and Russia. Winters at sea in the North Atlantic and Bering Sea.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for sea urchins, molluscs, and crustaceans in Arctic coastal waters. Shifts to freshwater invertebrates on breeding grounds.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP,SC. Incubation: 22-24 days. Fledging: 50-60 days.
Clutch Size
1-16
Sound
Song
Male produces a melodious, ascending ooo-wuh cooing; female gives a guttural grunt. The male's haunting, dove-like call is one of the most atmospheric sounds of the High Arctic in spring.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Somateria |
| Species | Somateria spectabilis |
Distribution
King Eider has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the King Eider eat?
Where does the King Eider live?
Is the King Eider endangered?
How does the King Eider nest?
What does the King Eider sound like?
How big is the King Eider?
What order and family does the King Eider belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family