Spectacled Eider

The spectacled eider, Somateria fischeri, is a large sea duck, slightly smaller than its relative the common eider. The male is a striking bird with a black body, a white back, and a yellow-green head adorned with large, circular white patches around the eyes, which resemble spectacles and give the species its common name. The female, in contrast, is a rich brown and can be distinguished from other ducks by her size and structure, with paler 'goggles' around her eyes.

Identification Tips

To identify the male spectacled eider, look for its unique coloration: a black body, white back, and the distinctive white eye patches on its yellow-green head. The female is a rich brown and can be identified by her size, structure, and the paler patches around her eyes. Immature birds and eclipse adult drakes resemble the female but can still be identified by the same features.

Habitat

The spectacled eider breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia, favoring coastal tundra environments.

Distribution

This species is found along the coast of Alaska and easternmost Russia, extending into the Bering Sea. There are two breeding populations in Alaska and one in Russia. The spectacled eider molts at sea, typically 2 to 45 kilometers from the shore and north of 63°N latitude.

Behaviour

Spectacled eiders are diving ducks, foraging underwater by swimming and diving. They are believed to be able to remain submerged longer than most diving ducks. Breeding pairs form in wintering grounds before spring migration. Females build nests close to ponds on raised ridges, lined with plant material and down. They are the sole incubators and caretakers of the eggs and chicks.

Song & Calls

The male spectacled eider emits a weak crooning call, while the female produces a harsh croak.

Breeding

Pairs form during winter and migrate to nesting sites in spring. Females lay an average of three to six olive buff-colored eggs, which are incubated for 24 days. Chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and are led to water by the female, though they find their own food. The chicks develop rapidly, taking about 53 days or less to gain the ability to fly.

Similar Species

The spectacled eider can be confused with other eider species, but its distinctive eye patches and the male's unique coloration generally make it distinguishable.

Diet and Feeding

While at sea, the spectacled eider primarily feeds on mollusks. On the breeding grounds, their diet includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant material.

Conservation status

The spectacled eider is listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to a significant decline in breeding population size in Alaska. However, it is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, as it does not meet the criteria for a more threatened category. It is protected from hunting under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1991.

Threats

Climate change and habitat loss are the primary threats to the spectacled eider. Their historical range was much larger, and future threats include potential oil and gas development near important bird areas like Teshekpuk Lake.