King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Anseriformes · Anatidae

About

The king eider is a large sea duck that breeds along Northern Hemisphere Arctic coasts of northeast Europe, North America and Asia. The birds spend most of the year in coastal marine ecosystems at high latitudes, and migrate to Arctic tundra to breed in June and July. They lay four to seven eggs in a scrape on the ground lined with grass and down.

Fun Fact

The specific name spectabilis is Latin for "showy", "remarkable" or "worth seeing", a reference to the handsomeness of the adult male's plumage.

Quick Facts

Habitat

To be updated

Diet

Feeds on mollusks, crustaceans like king crabs, and on sea urchins, starfish and sea anemones.

Lifespan

18 years

Threats

Habitat Change
Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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