King Eider

53-61 cm (21-24") Common sea duck of tundra coastal waters, seldom seen south of the Far North; rare on Great Lakes; casual winter visitor to west and east coasts.

Male: distinctive head pattern - blue-gray head, greenish-white cheeks, large bright orange shield over base of bill; white breast, black back and sides. In flight, black back, black wings with large white patches.

Female: brown head; body mottled brown and black overall; heavily crescent or v-shaped barred sides. Very similar female Common Eider is larger and has black bars, not crescents on sides, longer bill shield and more sloping forehead.

Song: moaning sounds, hollow croaks.

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Credit: Ómar Runólfsson

Credit: Ómar Runólfsson