Spectacled Eider

Somateria fischeri (Brandt, JF, 1847)

52–57 cmLength1.6 kgWeight

The spectacled eider (pronounced ) (Somateria fischeri) is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia.

Busiest months: May–June · Most records: United States

Near Threatened

Where and when it's recorded

Busiest months: May–June · Most records: United States

Spectacled Eider has been recorded at 2 of the 8,276 birding hotspots we track, in 1 country or region.

Records by month Northern Hemisphere

Where it's recorded most

GambellUnited States771 records
St. Paul IslandUnited States220 records

Countries and regions with the most records

United States

eBird records via GBIF up to 2024-12-31. A record means someone listed it; more records partly mean more birders, not more birds.

About

The spectacled eider (pronounced ) (Somateria fischeri) is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia.

Excerpt from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · authors · Read more on Wikipedia

Questions

How big is the Spectacled Eider?

The Spectacled Eider is about 52–57 cm long and weighs around 1.6 kg.

Where does the Spectacled Eider live?

Its breeding range: North America, Palearctic: north-central, northeastern Siberia from Lena Delta to Chukotka; western, northern Alaska in Yukon Delta and Arctic Coastal Plain. It is most often recorded in United States.

When is the best time to see the Spectacled Eider?

At the hotspots we track, it is recorded most in May and June (Northern Hemisphere).

Is the Spectacled Eider endangered?

The IUCN Red List classifies the Spectacled Eider as Near Threatened.

What does the Spectacled Eider eat?

Main food: Fish, shrimp & shellfish.

What family is the Spectacled Eider in?

It belongs to the family Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae), order Anseriformes.

At a glance

Length: 52–57 cm
Weight: 1.6 kg
Habitat: Coast & tidal flats
Diet: Fish, shrimp & shellfish
Lifestyle: On the water surface
Migration: Partial migrant
Conservation: Near Threatened

More measurements

Wing: 246 mm
Tail: 64 mm
Bill: 46 mm
Tarsus: 40 mm

Averages from the AVONET dataset; length from field guides where available.

Range

North America, Palearctic: north-central, northeastern Siberia from Lena Delta to Chukotka; western, northern Alaska in Yukon Delta and Arctic Coastal Plain

Breeding range, IOC World Bird List 15.2