King Eider
The King Eider is a large sea duck found in the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, Norway and Russia. It spends much of the year at sea, well adapted to frigid climates and in the breeding season migrates to freshwater lakes in flocks that often exceed 100,000 birds.
The male King Eider is a spectacular looking bird- it’s graphic black and buff tone body is topped by a multi-colored oblong head colored blue, green and orange with a bright red bill. The bird’s name derives from the Icelandic language, and king is in reference to the orange crown-like knob above its bill. In addition, its fantastically colored head is reminiscent of royal dress.
The King Eider is 20”-28” inches in length and has a wingspan of up to 40”. They are diving birds, capable of foraging for their food (mainly mollusks) at depths of up to 150 feet. They can live well over 15 years in the wild and are an abundant species. They are also a favorite of duck hunters, and since they travel in such huge flocks they are easy targets. Nonetheless, their population is listed as Of Least Concern.
The male King Eider is a spectacular looking bird- it’s graphic black and buff tone body is topped by a multi-colored oblong head colored blue, green and orange with a bright red bill. The bird’s name derives from the Icelandic language, and king is in reference to the orange crown-like knob above its bill. In addition, its fantastically colored head is reminiscent of royal dress.
The King Eider is 20”-28” inches in length and has a wingspan of up to 40”. They are diving birds, capable of foraging for their food (mainly mollusks) at depths of up to 150 feet. They can live well over 15 years in the wild and are an abundant species. They are also a favorite of duck hunters, and since they travel in such huge flocks they are easy targets. Nonetheless, their population is listed as Of Least Concern.