Spectacled Eider
Somateria fischeri
- Family
- Ducks, Swans, and Geese (Anatidae)
- Order
- Anseriformes
Overview
The spectacled eider (pronounced ) (Somateria fischeri) is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia.
The spectacled eider is slightly smaller than the common eider at 52–57 cm (20.5–22.5 in) in length. The male is unmistakable with its black body, white back, and yellow-green head with the large circular white eye patches which give the species its name. The drake's call is a weak crooning, and the female's a harsh croak.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Breeds north-central and northeastern Siberia from Lena Delta to Chukotka, and western and northern Alaska in Yukon Delta and Arctic Coastal Plain; winters polynyas (ice-free seas) between St. Lawrence and St. Matthew islands (northern Bering Sea).
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Continents
Countries
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Spectacled eider
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
