King Eider

1 week ago

Not yet spotted on Fladder

The King Eider is a large, Arctic sea duck renowned for the striking plumage of the male, featuring a massive, bright orange frontal shield above the bill and a pale green patch on the nape. Females are mottled brown but still possess the distinctive head shape.

Where to spot

Breeds in Arctic tundra regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters in large flocks in coastal marine environments, primarily in ice-free waters just south of their breeding range, such as the Bering Sea, Greenland, and northern European coasts.

How to spot

Scan open coastal waters and ice edges. Males are unmistakable with their large, colorful bill shield, white head, and black body. Females are warm brown with a distinctive wedge-shaped bill and a slightly 'grumpy' facial expression created by the feathering.

When to spot

Most reliably seen during the non-breeding season (winter) along Arctic and subarctic coastlines, where they gather in large rafts.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Most reliably seen during the non-breeding season (winter) along Arctic and subarctic coastlines, where they gather in large rafts.

Credits: Door Olaf Oliviero Riemer, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25688766

Credits: By Olaf Oliviero Riemer, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25688994

King Eiders undertake some of the longest duck migrations, often flying thousands of kilometers between Arctic breeding grounds and more southerly wintering areas.

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