King Eider

Somateria spectabilis Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
Somateria spectabilis Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

This exceptional bird breeds up on the tundra and mostly winters on the coasts of Alaska and the north Atlantic. Individual vagrants have appeared here and there in the interior of the continent during migration. I saw it in Duluth in December during my Big Year. I saw some in Nome in 2022, but at too great a distance to get photos of the males’ stunning breeding plumage.

Laura's Published Works

More Photos