king eider

1. Nombre del ave
The bird under discussion is King Eider, whose scientific name is Somateria spectabilis.

2. Aspecto
The King Eider is a large sea duck that is esteemed for its striking appearance. The male is a work of nature’s art, with a colorful mix of ornamental designs. They exhibit a bluish gray crown and nape, with sharp delineations against their greenish-black cheek and neck. The eyes are marked prominently with patches of bright orange-yellow, giving this bird a distinctive and regal appearance. The beak is largely red with a black tip. Female King Eiders are primarily dull brown but are differentiated by their softer face pattern. Both sexes have pale bluish-gray legs, feet, and bills.

3. Tamaño
King Eiders usually range in size from 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 inches) in length. Their wingspans are typically between 86 to 99 cm (34 to 39 inches), and they generally weigh around 1.4kg (3 pounds) for males and around 1.1kg (2.4 pounds) for females.

4. Hábitat y distribución
The habitat of the King Eider is primarily in the cold waters of the Arctic. Its geographical distribution stretches from the northernmost parts of North America across to northeastern Siberia. They prefer coastal areas and open water, migrating south during the harsh winter months. They are frequently found in areas such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. In the non-breeding seasons, they are also seen in parts of the northern United States and Europe.

5. Datos de interés
One of the unique behaviors of King Eiders is their fantastic diving ability. They can dive up to 180 meters (590 feet) to forage for food – one of the deepest recorded dives for any duck species. King Eiders are known to be hardy survivors, spending most of their life in the harsh conditions of the Arctic outside the breeding season. Their cultural significance is also noted among Native American tribes, where their feathers are used in traditional clothing and ceremonies.

6. Dieta
The diet of the King Eider primarily consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and a variety of marine invertebrates, which they catch during their deep dives.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
King Eiders are known for their engaging behavior during the breeding season. The males showcase an elaborate courtship display to attract females, which includes puffing up their chests, extending their heads, and producing a cooing sound. The female’s call is generally a low croaking sound, while males make a haunting, melodious call.

8. Estado de conservación
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the King Eider is currently categorized as being of “Least Concern,” meaning it is not immediately threatened by extinction.

9. Vida útil
Typically, King Eiders live up to 20 years in the wild. Lifespan in captivity tends to be shorter, with an average of 15 years.

10. Notas adicionales
Locally, King Eiders are known by various names, such as Praktejder in Swedish, Koningseider in Dutch, and Aider à duvet in French. They play a vital role in the ecosystem, controlling the population of certain marine invertebrates. They are also considered a cultural icon for several indigenous northern tribes, providing not only a food source but also their valuable feathers for clothing and ceremonial purposes. Their interaction with humans is primarily positive, with some instances of being hunted for food and other resources, but conflicts are usually minimal.