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What Is the King Eider?

Susan Grindstaff
Susan Grindstaff

The king eider is a type of duck common to the coastal regions of the Arctic. These ducks are known for the vivid, unusual coloring of the males during breeding season, the massive size of their flocks, and their ability to dive to great depths in order to feed. Compared to many other sea ducks, the king eider is considered fairly large, with the average weight being around 4 pounds (1.8 kg).

During mating season, the coloring of the male king eider changes dramatically as they shed their brown and black feathering for plumage that is much more vivid. The breeding plumage of males includes blue feathering on their necks and foreheads, with much of their facial area covered in green. Males have bright orange bills, and during mating season, their bills are accented by an orange protrusion that develops just above the crest. The body of the male ducks turns white, with black feathering covering their wings and back. Female king eiders, sometimes referred to as queens, have year round plumage of brown and black, with bills that are pale yellow or gray.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

The most common habitats for the king eider are the coastal regions of northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Greenland. Breeding season is during the summer months, and during this time, the flocks are generally found in the northernmost parts of these countries. During the winter, the king eider flies south, but the ducks usually remain in northern climates, typically staying close to the sea. King eiders usually live in flocks ranging in size from 10,000 to 50,000 ducks. These flocks may stay together for many years, though between migrations, the flocks often scatter into smaller groups.

Female eiders are typically mature enough to breed by the time they reach three years of age. They usually lay four to five eggs over a period of about seven days. The eggs incubate for just under a month, during which time the female duck stays with the eggs, rarely leaving the nest. Female eiders do not eat during this incubation period.

The typical diet of a king eider consists of plankton and small sea snails and fish. They must swallow their food whole, and use their gizzards to break up the food before it enters their digestive tracts. In order to find food, the eiders can dive up to 150 feet (45 m). Seawater is a large part of their diet, but when available, the ducks prefer fresh water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a King Eider?

The King Eider is a large, Arctic sea duck known for its striking appearance. Males have a bold black and white coloration with a distinctive orange knob on the bill, while females are brown with fine barring. They breed in coastal Arctic regions and are renowned for their long-distance migratory habits, often wintering in subarctic and boreal waters.

Where can you find King Eiders?

King Eiders breed on the coasts of the northernmost regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer tundra habitats near the ocean for nesting. During winter, they migrate to colder, ice-free coastal waters, including the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Birdwatchers often spot them in places like the Bering Sea and the coasts of Alaska and Canada.

What do King Eiders eat?

King Eiders primarily feed on a variety of marine life. Their diet consists of mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins, and various types of shellfish. They are adept divers, often plunging to depths of up to 180 feet to forage on the ocean floor, using their strong bills to pry prey from rocks or to dig into the substrate.

How do King Eiders reproduce?

King Eiders form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Females lay 4 to 7 eggs in a shallow ground nest lined with down. The nests are typically located on tundra close to the sea. After laying, the female incubates the eggs for about 22 to 24 days, while the male leaves to molt and may not return until the following breeding season.

Are King Eiders endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, King Eiders are not considered endangered. They are classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they face threats from oil spills, climate change, and hunting, which could impact their populations. Conservation efforts are important to monitor and protect their habitats.

What is unique about the King Eider's migration?

King Eiders undertake remarkable migrations, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. They are known for their strong, direct flight over open ocean, often flying at high altitudes. These birds can also navigate through harsh Arctic weather conditions, showcasing their incredible adaptability and resilience among sea ducks.

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    • Veterinarian with a puppy
      Veterinarian with a puppy