Somateria fischeri
The Spectacled Eider, *Somateria fischeri*, is a medium-sized sea duck renowned for the male's striking facial pattern. Males measure 52-57 cm in length, possess a wingspan of 86-90 cm, and weigh 1.3-1.6 kg, showcasing a pristine white back, black underparts, and a pale green nape. Their most distinctive feature is the prominent, circular white "spectacles" around each eye, outlined in black, framing an orange bill with a large frontal lobe. Females are mottled brown overall, smaller, and dis...
Primarily inhabits coastal Arctic tundra and freshwater wetlands for breeding, transitioning to shallow, ice-free marine waters of polynyas and ice edges during the winter. Found from sea level up to a few hundred meters inland during nesting.
Feeds predominantly on benthic invertebrates, including mollusks (clams, mussels), crustaceans (amphipods, isopods), and insect larvae, procured by diving to the seafloor.
Spectacled Eiders are active foragers during daylight hours, diving in shallow waters for benthic prey. During courtship, males perform elaborate displays involving head-bobs, neck-stretching, and distinctive cooing calls to attract females. They are generally monogamous for the breeding season, ...
The Spectacled Eider's breeding range is confined to the Arctic coastal tundra, primarily across two disjunct populations: one in Arctic Alaska, particularly the North Slope and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and another in northeastern Siberia, stretching from the Lena Delta eastward through Chukotka. D...
Vulnerable
- The male Spectacled Eider's distinctive white "spectacles" are unique among all waterfowl species worldwide. - They are expert divers, capable of reaching depths of 60 meters (200 feet) or more to forage for bottom-dwelling invertebrates. - Despite their Arctic habitat, their down feathers are ...