The male king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a large sea duck that breeds in the Arctic regions of northern Europe, Asia, and North America. They are called “king” eiders due to the male’s majestic plumage and regal appearance during breeding season. The male king eider’s elaborate plumage and courtship displays make them one of the most distinctive waterfowl in the world.
Identification
The male king eider is unmistakable during breeding season thanks to its flashy plumage and large size. Some key identification features include:
- Large body size, measuring 58–71 cm (23–28 in) long with a wingspan of 94–120 cm (37–47 in)
- Mostly white body plumage
- Black back and crown
- Distinctive greenish-blue patch surrounded by white on each side of the head
- Bright orange and blue bill
- Black legs and feet
Females are much less colorful, being mostly mottled brown. Juveniles resemble the female plumage.
In non-breeding season, the male’s plumage becomes more drab. The black feathers are lost and the majestic appearance fades, making him look similar to the female though still larger in size.
Range and Habitat
The king eider has a circumpolar distribution throughout the Arctic. There are three subpopulations:
- Northern Europe and Western Siberia
- Eastern Siberia
- North America
During breeding season, the male king eider inhabits coastal tundra, muskeg, and islands in the high Arctic region. Key nesting areas include:
- Northern Canada including Baffin Island and Bathurst Island
- North Slope of Alaska
- Coasts of northern Russia and Scandinavia
- Svalbard archipelago
In winter, the king eider migrates south to open seas and coastal waters including:
- Northern Atlantic Ocean
- Barents Sea
- Bering Sea
- Alaska Peninsula
- Northern Europe
Diet
The king eider dabbles and dives for food. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates obtained through foraging underwater or from the muddy seabed. Food sources include:
- Mussels
- Clams
- Snails
- Crab
- Starfish
- Urchins
- Polychaete worms
- Fish eggs
- Aquatic insects
- Crustaceans
During nesting season, the female’s diet shifts to more insect-based foods that are abundant in the tundra. Males will also forage on the tundra during this time.
Breeding and Nesting
King eiders reach sexual maturity around 2-4 years of age. They are seasonally monogamous, establishing pair bonds each breeding season.
In early spring, males migrate north to the Arctic breeding grounds before the females. They immediately begin establishing and defending nesting territories. When the females arrive, courtship displays begin.
Male courtship displays are elaborate and include vocalizations along with dramatic visual displays. Displays may include:
- Head-throwing – rapidly throwing head backwards
- Head-rolling – swinging head from side to side
- Foot-stamping – rapidly stamping feet while emitting vocalizations
- Facing off or “fencing” with other males
- Rising out of the water and stretching the neck upwards while vocalizing
Females select a male and his nesting territory to breed with. The female builds the nest in a well-hidden location on the ground lined with vegetation and down feathers plucked from her breast.
Clutch size is typically 3-5 eggs which the female incubates for about 24-29 days while the male defends the territory and stands guard. The ducklings hatch covered in down and are able to leave the nest within a day. The female cares for the young who fledge at 8-9 weeks old. The brood may merge together with other families as the season progresses.
Population Status
Globally, king eider populations are declining. However, the status varies by geographic location:
- Europe – Endangered with an estimated 18,000 breeding pairs
- Western Siberia – Near Threatened with 100,000-1,000,000 individuals
- North America – Least Concern with 1-2 million individuals
Threats contributing to reduced numbers include:
- Loss of breeding habitat in the Arctic
- Overharvesting by hunters
- Disturbance of nesting sites from human activity
- Oil pollution in coastal waters
- Entanglement in fishing nets
Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting key breeding and migratory habitats. Public education, restrictions on hunting, and mitigation of human disturbances are also beneficial actions. More research is needed to fully understand specific population trends and threats for king eider subpopulations.
Interesting Facts
- The king eider is the only eider duck where the male has two distinctly colored plumages – the dramatic breeding plumage and the duller non-breeding plumage.
- Their breeding system of mating in male-defended territories is uncommon among sea ducks.
- King eiders are well adapted swimmers and divers. They have been recorded diving to depths over 60 m (200 ft) to forage.
- Their distinctive call is a repetitive guaaaa given by the males during courtship.
- King eider down is highly prized for insulation in cold climates. It was historically used to fill winter clothing in Arctic regions.
- Native Arctic people traditionally hunted king eiders for fresh meat as well as using their down feathers for insulation.
Conclusion
The majestic male king eider is a unique Arctic sea duck, specialized for breeding in the extreme conditions of the tundra. While global populations face concerning declines, focused conservation efforts and protection of remote northern habitats offer promise for stabilizing numbers. Their incredible courtship displays and dramatic seasonal plumage transformations will hopefully continue captivating observers lucky enough to catch sight of these birds for generations to come.
