Spectacled Eider Photo Gallery
Male
Spectacular large duck of Alaska and Russia. Males have large, sloping orange bill, white back and black underparts. Distinctive face pattern of white "spectacles" outlined in black, with greenish back of the head.
© Marco Valentini / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 17, 2019Female
Large duck with long, sloping bill and forehead. Females are brown, barred with darker brown, paler on the face with hint of male's "spectacle" pattern.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, July 01, 2018Male
Large duck with sloping forehead and bill. Males have green wash on back of head, bright white spectacles, dark forehead, and orange bill.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 18, 2007Not all videos have soundMale
Large duck with white patches over the eye and orange bill. In flight, note white back and wing coverts, black flight feathers and underparts with white flank patch.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 12, 2013Female
Large duck with sloping bill and forehead. Females are densely barred with dark brown. Note brown forehead and paler face hinting at male's "spectacled" pattern.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, July 01, 2018Male and female
Large ducks with sloping bill and forehead. Males are strongly patterned with orange bill, white spectacles, greenish back of head, and white-and-black body. Females are barred brown with black bill and pale brown "spectacles."
© Tom Auer / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 21, 2019Male
Breeds in grass and sedge wetlands, dabbling for insects and seeds. Males depart soon after females lay eggs, for molting and wintering areas in the Bering Sea.
© Mitch Walters / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 23, 2016Male and female
Males are distinctive with orange bill, white "spectacles" on dark head, and white-and-black body. For females, look for dark forehead with pale echo of male's spectacle pattern.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 13, 2012Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family: Anatidae)
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