The spectacled eider is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia.
Region
Bering Sea and Arctic coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia
Typical Environment
Breeds on low-lying coastal tundra with numerous ponds and wet meadows, especially on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta and Alaska’s North Slope, and in Chukotka, Russia. During post-breeding, birds use shallow coastal lagoons and nearshore marine waters to molt. In winter they concentrate in polynyas within the northern Bering Sea pack ice, notably southwest of St. Lawrence Island. They favor shallow continental shelf areas with abundant benthic invertebrates.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spectacled eider is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts and tundra of Alaska and northeastern Siberia and winters among pack ice in the northern Bering Sea. Males show striking white 'spectacles' around the eyes, while females are mottled brown with a faint pale eye area. Pairs often form on the wintering grounds, and females line their nests with dense down. Their wintering flocks concentrate in small openings in sea ice (polynyas), where they dive for shellfish.
Temperament
wary and gregarious
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight low over water with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms large flocks at sea, especially in wintering areas and during molt. Nesting occurs as dispersed pairs or in loose aggregations on tundra near freshwater ponds; females perform all incubation and brood care while males depart after incubation begins. Pairs commonly form on the wintering grounds.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Males give mellow, cooing hoots and soft whistles, especially during courtship. Females produce lower, raspier quacks and grunts. Vocalizations are generally subdued compared to dabbling ducks.
Plumage
Male with creamy-white head showing bold white spectacle patches, green nape, black body and flanks, and pale back; female mottled rich brown with fine barring and a faint pale area around the eye. Feathers dense and waterproof, typical of sea ducks.
Diet
Primarily benthic invertebrates such as bivalves (clams and mussels), crustaceans, and marine worms taken by diving in shallow shelf waters. During the breeding season they also consume aquatic insects, larvae, and small snails. Ducklings feed heavily on insect larvae and other small invertebrates in freshwater ponds.
Preferred Environment
Shallow nearshore marine waters, coastal lagoons, and polynyas with soft substrates rich in shellfish. On breeding grounds they forage in tundra ponds, marsh edges, and shallow channels.
