King Eider Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesKing Eider

Male

Large sea duck with an oblong head and a smaller bill. Males have an ornately colored blue, green, and orange head and a black-and-white body. Note orange-red bill.

Female

Large sea duck. Females have a black bill and are mottled in brown and black.

Male

A spectacular sea duck of the Far North. Adult male is ornately adorned with soft blue and green on the head, a large orange plate above a bright red bill, and a black-and-white body.

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Immature male

Large sea duck. Immature males have a pale orange bill, a white chest, and a brown back.

Male

In flight, note adult male's white wing and flank patches.

Female

A large sea duck. Female is rich rusty brown with intricate black patterning.

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Male

Immature males have an orange bill but lack adult male's large knob and vibrant head coloring.

Female

Adult females are rich rusty brown with paler brown cheeks and neck. Note the graceful sloping transition between the forehead and black bill.

Male and female

Males display for females by pushing their head forward while swimming around them.

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Male and female

Breeds in the high Arctic, either along the coast or on interior lakes.

Male (with Common Eider)

Large sea duck with an oblong head and a smaller bill. Males have an ornately colored blue, green, and orange head and a black-and-white body. Often gathers with other sea ducks.